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Faculty
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Prof. Abel ChuangDr. Abel Chuang got his undergraduate and master degrees in Aerospace Engineering from National Cheng-Kung University in Taiwan. In his master's work, he designed, fabricated, and tested a 10-lbf altitude control monopropellant thruster for a satellite. In 1999, he came to Penn State University to start his doctoral research, where he worked on a passive two-phase heat transfer device called loop heat pipe in Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering. Currently, he is an assistant professor at University of California, Merced focusing on both high temperature and low-temperature PEM fuel cell research and development. In his spare time, Dr. Chuang likes to do sports, including jogging, swimming, and playing tennis. |
Current Visiting Scholar
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None at this time but if interested, please contact us through the "Contact Us" tab on our home page. |
Post-Doctorate
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Dr. Ayon Karmakar Year joined the laboratory: Feb 2023 Major: Chemistry Hometown: West Bengal, India Why I joined: Being an electrocatalyst enthusiast, always love to play with materials to achieve excellent electrocatalytic activities for clean Hydrogen production through Water Electrolysis. I have a keen interest to learn and experience the membrane-based electrolyzers in view of practical applicability and for which TEEL at UC Merced is an excellent research group to fulfill my future interests. Further, the opportunity to work and learn from an expert like Prof. Chuang would also enrich my knowledge. I wish to explore innovative materials and grow altogether with other lab-members at TEEL. My current expertise lies in design and fabrication of electrocatalysts, materials characterization, and electrochemistry. Research interests: Materials engineering, Electrocatalysis, Green Hydrogen, Water and CO2 Electrolyzers (AEM & PEM), Electrochemistry. Future Goals: To be an independent researcher in the field of renewable energy technologies to alleviate the fossil fuel dependency. |
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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 Student
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Zabihollah Najafianashrafi Yearj oined the laboratory: 2020,Ph.D. Major: Mechanical Engineering Hometown: Behshahr, Iran Why I joined: I have been working on several projects related to renewable energy and heat transfer. As global electricity demand is growing faster in recent decades, TEEL lab is one of the best places to learn and promote my skills related to Fuel cell testing, characterization, and modeling under supervision of Dr. Chuang. Future Goals: After graduation, I wish to work in an R&D company or serve as faculty member to improve fuel cell technology. |
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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. |
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Robel Mehari Tesfaye (Robel) Year joined the laboratory: Fall, 2022 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. |
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Maria Florencia Dotta Brugman (Flo) Year joined the laboratory : Fall 2024, as a 1st year Ms. Environmental Systems Student Major : Chemical Engineer Hometown : Juan L. Lacaze, Uruguay. Why I joined : My academic background provides me with a multidisciplinary understanding of the interconnection between energy, water and the environment. These three are the basis for the development of life. As one of them, energy is a global concern, and hydrogen has emerged as a promising alternative to fossil fuels to decarbonize various economic sectors. Including transportation, industry, and power generation. The reason I joined TEEL is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the production, applications, and potential of hydrogen as a clean energy source. By deepening my skills in this field, I hope to contribute to the development of efficient and cost-effective technologies. Future Goals: Contribute to energy transition, both in the academic and public spheres. |
Undergraduate Student
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Patrick Vazquez Year Joined the Laboratory: Summer 2024, 3rd Year Undergraduate Major: Mechanical Engineering Hometown: Glendale, California Why I Joined: Taking a Thermodynamics class in Spring of 2024 opened the opportunity to connect with Professor Chuang where consistently, the professor offered significant guidance and encouragement that enabled me to submit my best efforts. From this interaction, I knew that pursuing research at the TEEL lab would provide a place to grow while contrubuting to renewable energy solutions and applying relevant class material in the fields of Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics, and Electrochemistry. From the diverse interests/work around the lab as well as the connections I have developed technically and professionally. Research Interests: Characterization of energetic materials through the use of experimentation and simulation, sustainability Future Goals: Make advancements in research related to the safety of hypergolic propellants to reach cleaner solutions. |
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Danna Jimenez Year Joined the laboratory: Fall 2024, 4th year undergraduate Major: Civil Engineering Hometown: Santa Ana, California Why I joined: I joined TEEL because its work on renewable energy technologies, particularly energy storage and conversion using fuel cells and water electrolysis, directly aligns with my passion for sustainability. My civil engineering background has given me a solid foundation in sustainable design and infrastructure, but I wanted to engage more deeply with renewable energy applications. The lab’s hands-on focus would allow me to apply my skills in real-world energy challenges, bridging my civil engineering knowledge with innovative solutions in energy storage—an essential step toward a more sustainable future. Research interests: Renewable energy, green energy, sustainability Future Goals: My future goals are to advance renewable energy solutions, continue research at a professional level, and make positive contributions to the environment and society. |
Staff
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Wen-lan Hsieh (Daisy) Major: Instructional Systems Title: Researcher and Instructional Designer |
