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Faculty
Prof. Abel Chuang
Dr. Abel Chuang is a Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of California, Merced, with more than two decades of research experience spanning thermal-fluid sciences, electrochemical energy conversion, and sustainable energy technologies. He received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Aerospace Engineering from National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan. During his master's research, he designed, fabricated, and experimentally validated a 10-lbf monopropellant thruster for satellite altitude control. Dr. Chuang subsequently received his Ph.D. from The Pennsylvania State University, where his doctoral research focused on two-phase heat transfer and fluid transport in loop heat pipes. This early work established a strong foundation in thermal-fluid sciences and multiphase transport phenomena, expertise that continues to inform his current research in electrochemical energy systems. Since joining the University of California, Merced, Dr. Chuang has developed an internationally recognized research program in electrochemical energy conversion and sustainable energy technologies. His research focuses on both low- and high-temperature fuel cells and electrolyzers, with particular expertise in polymer electrolyte membrane electrochemical systems, oxygen reduction and evolution reactions, electrocatalysis, electrode and catalyst-layer engineering, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, distribution of relaxation times analysis, and multiphase transport.
Current Visiting Scholar
No visiting scholar currently. Please contact us if you are interested.
Post-Doctorate
Dr. Joy Marie Mora
Year joined: Spring 2020 as doctoral students, Fall 2024 as Post-doctorate
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Bulacan, Philippines
Why I joined: TEEL offers a great opportunity to expand my research experience as well as improve my professional conduct. With access to TEEL's research facilities and related equipment, guidance from Professor Chuang, and help from my lab mates, I am able to realize the vast potential of fuel cell research areas. The work that they do is important and equally exciting. It is a privilege to be part of this group.
Research interests: Fuel cells and electrolysis; Materials engineering; Multiphysics modeling and simulation; Renewable energy systems
Future goals: My goal is to make a contribution towards building an energy-secure future. I am hoping that my research on fuel cell technology will play a part in advancing energy storage systems and other related clean energy technologies.
Graduate Students
Shadi Salehian
Year joined the laboratory : Fall 2022, as a 1st year Ph.D. student
Major : Mechanical Engineering
Hometown : Tabriz, Iran
Why I joined : The research conducted at TEEL aligns closely with my interests. During my master’s studies, I focused on Renewable Energy Systems and aspire to delve deeper into this field. Additionally, I have a strong interest in the modeling and simulation of electrochemistry and heat transfer in electrochemical cells. I am eager to acquire further computational and experimental skills to contribute to the optimization of fuel cells and electrolysis cells. It would be a privilege to advance my understanding of electrochemical technology and enhance my capabilities under the supervision of Professor Chuang.
Research interests: Renewable energy, low temperature fuel cells and electrolysis cell (PEMFC, PEMWE), high temperature fuel cells, electrochemical characterization.
Future Goals: No renewable energy-based technology is impeccable and fuel cell technology is not an exception. My goal is to minimize the challenges of Fuel Cell commercialization, affordability, scalability, and optimization.
Robel Mehari Tesfaye (Robel)
Year joined the laboratory: Fall, 2022 as a 1st year Ph.D. student
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Why I joined: I was first introduced into the renewable energy research area when I was doing my masters. I worked on the topic of Direct Urea Fuel Cell. In that duration of time, I realized how fast our planet is heading to a point of no return and how a lot of research still remains to be done in the sector in order for the human race to move away from non-renewable energy resources and towards healing the planet. My research interests align with the mission of TEEL which is to generate impactful patents, publications, and products by performing cutting edge research in fuel cell technology. My current expertise lies in preparation of catalyst and GDL preparation for Electrochemical e\Energy Technologies.
Research interests: Renewable energy, hydrogen fuel cells (PEMFC), Electrocatalysis Material synthesis.
Future Goals: To be an a research engineer in renewable energy technology industry and make a positive contribution in the struggle against climate change and global warming.
A S M Rokonuzzaman (Rokon)
Year joined the laboratory: Fall 2025, as a first-year Ph.D. student.
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Kushtia, Bangladesh
Why I joined: I have always been passionate about sustainable energy technologies. During my master’s program, I worked on immersion cooling systems, which provided me with a strong foundation in thermal management and heat transfer. I see fuel cell research as an ideal platform to expand my knowledge and skills into electrochemical energy systems. TEEL offers the perfect environment to bridge my background in thermal systems with cutting-edge clean energy research. In the future, I aspire to contribute to the field through impactful research and publications.
Research interest: Hydrogen Fuel Cell, Electrochemical Systems, Renewable Energy, Sustainability.
Future goals: I want to contribute to advancing fuel cell technology through my work and be an important part of clean energy research.
Ahmed Kandil
Year joined the laboratory : Fall 2026, as a first-year Ph.D. student
Major : Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Egypt
Why I joined: My interest in renewable energy began when I was young, as I became increasingly concerned about rising temperatures, environmental pollution, and carbon dioxide emissions. These concerns motivated me to pursue sustainable energy research. During my master’s degree, I focused on reducing energy consumption in air-conditioning systems using phase change materials (PCMs), resulting in journal and conference publications. TEEL Lab offers the ideal environment to build on my background in thermal systems while engaging in cutting-edge clean energy research, particularly in fuel cell technologies. Under Professor Abel’s supervision, I hope to go beyond academic publications and contribute to innovative solutions with meaningful real-world impact. In the future, I aim to develop efficient and sustainable energy technologies that reduce emissions and support the transition to a cleaner energy future.
Research interests: Hydrogen Fuel Cells, Electrochemical Systems, Renewable Energy, Sustainability, Thermo-Fluid Systems, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Energy Storage, Green Buildings, Heat Transfer.
Future goals: I aim to advance fuel cell technologies and contribute to the development of efficient, sustainable, and low-emission energy systems.
Undergraduate Students
Brandon Diaz Fregoso
Year Joined the Laboratory: Fall 2025, 3rd Year Undergraduate (expected graduation date: May, 2027)
Major: Aerospace Engineering
Hometown: Saint Helena, California
Why I Joined: I joined TEEL for two primary reasons. One being that thermodynamics is one of the most intriguing subjects to me, and two being that Professor Chuang has been both a phenomenal instructor and supportive individual in my pursuit of Aerospace Engineering. On top of that, TEEL as a whole, explores the intersection between sustainability and performance. TEEL laboratory has allowed me to explore the opportunity, role, and the potential that fuel cells can play as valuable technology in renewable energy solutions. Helping me explore and apply relevant topics to aerospace, such as heat and mass transport, fluid mechanics, electrochemistry, porous media, and material science.
Research Interests: My research interests include hybrid propulsion, advanced materials for lightweight and durable applications, along with coupled heat and mass transport in extreme conditions.
Future Goals: Contribute towards research and development in technologies that are both sustainable and performance based, within the commercial aircraft industry.
Eric Oh
Year joined the laboratory: Summer 2026 as undergrad student
Major: Mechanical Engineering; Aerospace Emphasis
Hometown: San Jose, California
Why I joined: I joined the TEEL Lab to broaden my knowledge and gain hands-on research experience in energy systems and engineering applications. I wanted to explore research opportunities beyond my primary field of interest while strengthening my technical and problem-solving skills. Through my involvement in the lab, I have gained valuable experience in experimental research and system troubleshooting. I look forward to continuing to develop my engineering skills and contributing to meaningful research in sustainable energy technologies.
Research interests: Fuel cells and electrolysis. Liquid Chromatography. Propulsion and aeronautical controls.
Future goals: My goal is to continue gaining valuable hands-on experience in experimental research, system troubleshooting, and engineering problem-solving through my involvement with the TEEL Lab. I hope to apply the knowledge and technical skills I develop to pursue a successful career in the aerospace industry.
Windy Yoon
Year joined the laboratory: Summer 2026, as an undergraduate student
Major: Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis in Aerospace Engineering
Hometown: Ansan, South Korea
Why I joined: I chose to study engineering because I have always enjoyed math, physics, and chemistry. However, I was not sure which specific area of engineering interested me the most. As I learned more about sustainable energy, I realized how important technologies such as fuel cells and hydrogen energy could be for the future. This motivated me to join TEEL, where I hope to gain research experience, learn more about these technologies, and discover what truly interests me as an engineer.
Research interests: Fuel cell technology, Renewable energy, Mechanical engineering
Future goals: As an undergraduate student, my goal is to build a strong academic foundation while gaining hands-on research experience at TEEL. I hope to deepen my understanding of fuel cell technology and renewable energy, develop my engineering skills, and gradually discover which area of engineering I would like to pursue in the future.
Staff
Wen-lan Hsieh (Daisy)
Major: Instructional Systems
Title: Researcher and Instructional Designer
