Graduate Trainees

Yash Adnani

Cohort 5-Fall 2025

Yash Adnani is a MASc candidate, supervised by Dr. Paul Bishop and Dr. Michael Freund. He is studying Mechanical Engineering. His research focuses on 3D printing of titanium alloys. He did his undergraduate in Materials Engineering at UBC Vancouver and has an industry background in synthesis and characterization of Ni-based nanomaterials. Outside of work, he likes to explore different cuisines and play the bass guitar.

Shivam Beniwal

Cohort 2-Fall 2022

Shivam is a Ph.D. student, supervised by Dr. Penghao Xiao. He is studying Physics. His Ph.D. research focuses on understanding kinetic processes dictating the performance & durability of batteries & catalysts from first principles. He is experienced in both computational & experimental design of battery materials.

Ben Collison

Cohort 3-Fall 2023

Ben is an Interdisciplinary PhD student in the School for Resource and Environmental Studies, supervised by Dr. Alana Westwood. He merges science & policy to study the impacts of natural resource extraction (particularly mining and forestry) on the biophysical environment. His PhD research investigates applied riparian forest management techniques to enhance climate chance resiliency of freshwater ecosystems. When he’s not studying forests & rivers, you can typically find Ben outside hiking, kayaking, camping, or playing golf.

Anthony El-Halaby

Cohort 4-Winter 2025

Anthony is a Master of Applied Science student, supervised by Dr. Ghada Koleilat. He is studying a master’s degree in electrical engineering. His research focuses on Perovskite Solar Cells and Photovoltaics use in renewable energies. Anthony has lived in Halifax since 2019 and completed his Bachelor of Electrical Engineering at Dalhousie University last December. Born and raised in Zgharta, Lebanon, he has been passionate about science and soccer since childhood, earning a spot on the Lebanese National Youth Soccer team for ages under 13, 15, and 17.

Mark Elliott

Cohort 4-Fall 2024

Mark Elliott is a PhD student in the Mechanical Engineering department, supervised by Dr. Lukas Swan. Mark’s research focuses on Na-ion batteries. Mark has experience working with Li-ion battery systems and with novel electrochemical energy storage technology, such as Zn-ion. When he’s out of the laboratory, Mark enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Bryan Ellis

Cohort 1-Fall 2021

Bryan is a Ph.D. student in the Mechanical Engineering department. Supervised by Dr. Lukas Swan, his research focuses on the use of energy storage to enhance solar energy consumption. Other research interests include energy management, policy, & system modelling. His passion for responsible energy generation & consumption stems from his time spent completing a BSc. (Biology) at Saint Mary’s University & from his previous work with the Renewable Energy Storage Lab at Dalhousie.

Kogie Esteban

Cohort 4-Fall 2024

Kogie is a Master’s student, supervised by Dr. Mita Dasog. He is studying Chemistry. His research focuses on developing stable, active, and low-cost earth-abundant electrocatalysts to achieve efficient water-splitting for hydrogen production – a clean chemical fuel.

He is also interested in photocatalysis and is passionate about reducing the overall carbon footprint of catalytic materials. Kogie is a proud international student from the Philippines.

Emma Fraser

Cohort 5-Fall 2025

Emma is a MSc student in Chemistry, supervised by Dr. Mita Dasog. Her desire to

pursue inorganic chemistry arose during her BSc in Chemistry at the University of Alberta

where she explored green methods of producing nanoparticles from tea leaves. While her research project is yet to be determined, she’s passionate about sustainability and the environment and hopes to make a difference in the world. Outside of the lab, she loves to travel, read, and spend time outdoors.

Paria Nashta Movaghati

Cohort 4-Fall 2024

Paria is a M.Sc. student, supervised by Dr. Stanley Asah.  She is enrolled in the Environmental Studies program and her research focuses on determining critical behavioural interventions for enabling an effective transition to net-zero emissions in Atlantic Canada. She is interested in unraveling the social dimensions of environmental change and their impact on decision-making processes. Her passion is to understand how community engagement and empowerment can pave the way for transformative change and promote sustainable and resilient communities.

Martins Obialor

Cohort 3-Winter 2024

Martins is a MAS student, supervised by Dr. Michael Metzger & Dr. Jeff Dahn.  He is studying Chemical Engineering & his current research focuses on the design of anode materials for sodium-ion batteries. His interest lies in the synthesis & characterization of active materials for rechargeable battery systems. When he’s not working and looking up current industry trends in the battery/EV sector, you can find him playing badminton, taking walks, watching soccer, or catching up with family & friends.

Mohammad Rafiee

Cohort 2-Fall 2022

Mohammad is a Ph.D. student, supervised by Dr. Jesse Maassen & Dr. Erin Johnson. He is studying physics. His PhD research focuses on low-resistivity metal-semiconductor contacts.

Julia Schmitt

Cohort 4-Fall 2024

Julia is a Ph.D. student, supervised by Dr. Michael Freund. She is studying Chemistry. Julia’s Ph.D. research focuses on the development of nanostructured hydrogen sensors and the improvement of existing first-generation sensors. Outside of the lab, Julia enjoys travelling, spending time with family and friends and cheering on her favourite hockey teams.  

Harold Smith-Perez

Cohort 5-Fall 2025

Harold is a PhD student, supervised by Penghao Xiao. He is studying Physics. His PhD research focuses on using machine learning to improve materials simulation methods. Primary materials of interest include batteries and aluminum alloys. Outside of his research, Harold enjoys playing the guitar, fitness and team sports.

Parham Taghizadegan

Cohort 4-Fall 2024

Parham is an MASc. student, supervised by Dr. Jeff Dahn. He is studying Materials Engineering. His research focuses on investigating different aspects of Li-ion batteries. He is drawn to this field because it is at the forefront of technological advancements in battery technologies and renewable energy systems, recognizing its vital role in combating climate change. Outside of his academic work, Parham stays updated on current battery and electric vehicle trends while maintaining a balanced lifestyle through regular walks, gym sessions, and catching up with friends.

Ziwei Ye

Cohort 2-Fall 2022

Ziwei is a Ph.D. student, supervised by Dr. Michael Metzger & Dr. Jeff Dahn. He is studying Physics & his current research focuses on electrolyte optimization of Na-ion battery. When not in the lab, he likes to go biking & play soccer.

Jacqueline Zakaria

Cohort 4-Winter 2025

Jackie is a Master of Resource and Environmental Studies (MREM) student, supervised by Dr. Stanley Asah. Her research explores stakeholder perceptions of hydrogen energy development in Atlantic Canada and its social feasibility. She is particularly interested in understanding how human cognition and behaviour can help achieve a more sustainable future.