Siddharth R
- Research Program Mentor

PhD candidate at University of California Berkeley (UC Berkeley)

Expertise

Clean energy technologies (fuel cells, hydrogen electrolyzers etc.), electrochemistry, colloidal science, aerosol physics

Bio

My research focuses on applying fundamental electrochemical, colloidal and aerosol science principles to describe complex phenomena dictating performance in a variety of "green" technologies including fuel cells, electrolytic CO2 capture and hydrogen production, membrane water purification and aerosol filtration. Some specific phenomena my research addresses include investigating fundamental interactions governing electrode structure in electrochemical devices (fuel cells, electrolyzers, batteries etc.), colloidal and fine particle deposition and adhesion to surfaces, and electrostatically enhanced aerosol filtration. To address these phenomena, I have used a combination of mathematical modeling and simulation, as well as experimental approaches. I genuinely enjoy my research since I have the opportunity to dissect complex problems into more fundamental, addressable parts (a process which I love!) and, the applications of my work have important implications for a number of sustainable technologies. One of my favorite hobbies is cooking--in particular I love the exploring science behind food/cooking! Some questions I've been informally "experimenting" with at home include how culture strain and fermentation temperature/time affect homemade yogurt taste and texture and how pan-surface seasoning procedures affect the non-stick ability of carbon-steel and cast iron pans (these questions are actually surprisingly closely related to my research!). I also love a number of outdoor activities including tennis, long-distance running, and hiking/backpacking.

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

Replacing rare-earth elements in clean energy technologies

Achieving global climate goals requires rapid and widespread implementation of clean energy technologies. Yet, use of rare-earth elements in these technologies (e.g. cobalt in batteries, platinum in fuel cells, indium in solar panels etc.) make them cost-prohibitive and limit the possibility of extensive world-wide adoption of these clean energy alternatives. Potential project ideas include reviewing the fundamental functions of these rare-earth elements in energy technologies and investigating alternative, earth-abundant materials which may serve similar functions.

Coding skills

python, Matlab, Mathematica, COMSOL

Teaching experience

I have been a teaching assistant for 4 undergraduate level core chemical engineering including thermodynamics, mass and energy balances, transport and separations, engineering economics at Case Western Reserve University and UC Berkeley. Responsibilities included teaching weekly discussions sections, office hours, and developing exams and quizzes. Additionally have mentored through the Widening Opportunities for Women in Science program at Case Western where I guided a high-school student through the fundamentals of safe laboratory research, reading literature and presenting data over the course of 2 months.

Credentials

Work experience

Institut de radioprotection et de sûreté nucléaire (2021 - 2021)

Research assistance

Case Western Reserve University (2017 - 2021)

Research assistant

University of California, Berkeley (2021 - Current)

Graduate researcher

Education

Case Western Reserve University

BSE Bachelor of Science in Engineering (2020)

Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Case Western Reserve University

MSE Master of Science in Engineering (2021)

Chemical Engineering

University of California Berkeley (UC Berkeley)

PhD Doctor of Philosophy candidate