Graduate Trainees

Ghada Abdelmageed

Cohort 1-Fall 2021

Ghada is a Ph.D. student, supervised by Dr Ghada Koleilat. She is studying chemical engineering. Her Ph.D. research focuses on organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells.

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.

Samantha M. Chu

Cohort 3-Fall 2023

Samantha is a M.Sc. student, supervised by Dr. Alana Westwood. She is enrolled in the Environmental Studies program and is researching knowledge exchange in forestry. Outside of the lab, Samantha enjoys climbing, hanging out with friends, & anything involving good food!

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.

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.

Hayley Knowles

Cohort 3-Summer 2023

Hayley is a Masters of Applied Science student in Mechanical Engineering, supervised by Dr. Lukas Swan & Dr. Andrew Swingler.  Her research investigates the role of hybrid energy storage systems to decarbonize remote northern community energy systems. Other research interests include energy management, policy & modelling techniques.

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.

Divya Rathore

Cohort 1-Fall 2021

Divya is a Ph.D. student, supervised by Dr. Jeff Dahn.  She is studying Physics. Her Ph.D. research focuses on next-generation Li-ion batteries. She is passionate about energy sector reforms & wants to contribute to the field. She is particularly interested in energy research & infrastructure developments required in developing countries with limited resources & time to deal with upcoming climate change challenges. She likes to read, travel, & is always up for discussing interesting ideas over coffee!

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.  

Grace Sparrow

Cohort 3-Fall 2023

Grace is a Ph.D. student, supervised by Dr. Erin Johnson.  She is studying Chemistry. Her Ph.D. research focuses on improvement of crystal structure prediction methods.

Ebubechukwu
Sunny-Ekhalume

Cohort 3-Fall 2023

Ebubechukwu is a Master’s of Applied Science Student, supervised by Dr. Ghada Koleilat. She is studying Electrical Engineering. Her Master’s research focuses on the integration of Triboelectric Nanogenerators in wearable Technology. Her other research interests include Piezoelectric Generators, Energy storage & optimization in rural areas. She enjoys cooking and going for walks.

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.

Mahdi Teymoori

Cohort 4-Fall 2024

Mahdi is a Ph.D. student, supervised by Dr. Mita Dasog. He is studying Material Chemistry. His PhD. research focuses on the development of cheap and non-toxic plasmonic nanomaterials. He is particularly interested in expanding energy-efficient water desalinators required in developing countries to manage upcoming climate change challenges. Mahdi enjoys travelling, reading, swimming, taking walks & catching up with family and 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.