Research Theme

Our research addresses challenges in energy science through the lens of materials design, characterization, and processing. Using advanced characterization, multiscale analysis, and data-enabled methods, we investigate how structure, interfaces, defects, and microstructure control functional behavior and use that understanding to engineer materials for energy technologies and ceramic systems.
• Energy science and materials discovery
• Crystallography, defects, and structure-property relationships
• Advanced characterization, in situ/operando methods, synchrotron and neutron techniques, etc.
• Solid-state synthesis, ceramic processing/manufacturing, 3D printing, and high-throughput fabrication
• Data science and AI/ML for materials research

Funded Research Projects

• ACS Petroleum Research Fund: This grant supports fundamental research in the petroleum field with a focus on developing new material design strategies for perovskite-based catalysts. Through advanced in situ characterization and systematic investigations, the project aims to deepen the understanding of catalyst behavior and performance under operating conditions. The award also contributes to the development of the next generation of engineers and scientists by supporting advanced scientific education and research training opportunities.
• CU-SRNL GSS Initiatives: This grant strengthens research collaboration between Clemson University and Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) in the area of energy security. We will design advanced ceramic composite materials for energy storage and hydrogen isotope processing, leveraging DOE user facilities and the X-ray AIMS Lab in our new AMIC building. The student will be trained as the next generation of workers to meet the SRNL's needs.
• NSF EPSCoR Research Fellowship: Through this fellowship, we will develop advanced analytical methods to uncover the fundamental design principles of solid-state batteries. The project focuses on addressing interfacial challenges by optimizing the microstructural and chemical design of composite electrodes. In collaboration with the national synchrotron facility, we will also strengthen Clemson University's research infrastructure in X-ray imaging. Furthermore, this fellowship will serve as a platform to train and inspire the next generation of materials scientists in energy research and advanced characterization techniques.
• SC EPSCoR Grants for Applications in Industry and Networking (GAIN): Through this grant, we aim to enhance the performance and longevity of critical components in implantable biomedical devices by integrating data-driven modeling with AI-enabled methodologies. This award is part of the NSF-funded "ADAPT in SC" initiative (AI-Enabled Devices for the Advancement of Personalized and Transformative Health Care in South Carolina). The overarching goal is to strengthen research capacity at the intersection of AI, life and social sciences, and bioengineering: advancing fundamental research, education, workforce development, and industry collaboration.
More to come...

Completed Projects at Clemson

• CU-SRNL ELI Initiatives: This grant enables the acquisition of an Xradia Versa system to strengthen research collaboration between Clemson University and the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL). In partnership with SRNL's Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative (AMC), we will focus on 3D multi-scale inspection and compositional control of additively manufactured parts, as well as the design and regulation of interfaces between immiscible materials in composite systems. This effort is a key component of the AMIC Imaging Facility initiative, supporting Clemson University's bold strategic vision for 2035.

Research Support Prior to Clemson

• NASA EPSCoR Research Cooperative Agreement Notice (CAN), Development of Solid-State Electrolyte for Safe and Ultra-High Capacity Batteries for NASA's Future Missions, Campus-PI.
• NSF RII Track-2 Focused EPSCoR Collaborations (FEC), Tri-state Research Institute of Manufacturing for Managing CO2 (TRIMMingCO2), Senior Personnel.
• Louisiana BoRSF Enhancement Program, Comprehensive Enhancement to Integrate and Elevate Materials Research and Education at University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Senior Personnel.