ALL
Undergraduate Student
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.
Name: Isaac Chen
Year joined the laboratory: Fall 2026, as an undergraduate student
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Danville, California
Why I joined: As I dive deeper into my studies of engineering, it becomes more apparent that the progression of technology is largely gated by our ability to contain and harness energy. I joined TEEL because I want to contribute to society’s shift away from nonrenewable energy sources, such as was done when humans moved away from steam to gasoline and natural gas. Joining the lab will provide me understanding of the technologies that power our civilization and gain experience in a new frontier.
Research interests: Energy Storage, Propulsion, Vehicle Dynamics
Future goals: I hope to gain a stronger knowledge in thermodynamics, material science, and chemistry by joining the lab. I hope the skills I learn as a member of the lab will help me beyond UC Merced
