Principle Invesigator

Hadi Khani (Research Assistant Professor)

Research Associate, University of Texas at Austin, USA, 2018-2021
Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Notre Dame, USA, 2017-2018
Ph.D. in Chemistry (Minor in Statistics), Mississippi State University, USA, 2012-2017
M.S. in Analytical Chemistry, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran, 2007-2009
B.S. in Chemistry, Arak University, Iran, 2004-2007

Hobby: History of Science and Humanity

E-mail: hadi.khani@austin.utexas.edu (Linkedin)

Current Members

Alem Gebrelibanos Hailu (Postdoctoral Felllow – Lab Manager)

Bio: Alem obtained his MSc in Analytical Chemistry from Haramaya University, Ethiopia, and completed his PhD in Applied Science and Technology under the guidance of Prof. Fu-Ming Wang at NTUST, Taiwan, in June 2022. His doctoral research focused on silicon modification for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In October 2023, he began his postdoctoral research at the University of Texas at Austin, USA, where his current research centers on synthesizing fluorinated polymer electrolytes for LIBs. In his free time, Alem enjoys watching soccer.

Hobby: Watching soccer

E-mail: alem.hailu@austin.utexas.edu (Linkedin)

Doosoo Kim (Ph.D. student)

Bio: Doosoo joined the Materials Science & Engineering program at UT Austin in Fall 2021. His research focuses on evaluating and enhancing the electronic, ionic, and thermal properties of metal oxide anodes for lithium-ion batteries. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Chemical Engineering from Gachon University, Korea, in 2017 and 2019, respectively. In his free time, he enjoys watching YouTube videos and occasionally bouldering.

Hobby: Watching YouTube videos and bouldering

E-mail: doosoo.kim@utexas.edu (Linkedin)

Siddhartha Nanda (Ph.D. student)

Bio: Sid joined the Materials Science & Engineering program at UT Austin in Fall 2023. His project involves thermal, safety, and gas analysis of next-generation batteries. He also studies intercalation behavior and structural changes of battery electrodes via operando techniques. He received his Bachelor’s-Master’s Dual Degree in Ceramic Engineering from National Institute of Technology Rourkela, India in 2023. In his free time, he enjoys watching movies and TV shows, playing cricket and chess.

Hobby: Watching movies and TV shows, playing cricket and chess

E-mail: nanda.siddhartha2023@utexas.edu (Linkedin)

Kangmin Kim (Ph.D. student )

Bio: Kangmin joined the MSE program at UT Austin in Spring 2026. His current research focuses on (i) investigating the thermal behavior, decomposition pathways, and gas evolution of next generation batteries, and (ii) integrating composite polymer electrolyte systems into solid state lithium metal pouch cells. He earned his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2025 and previously worked for one year as an R&D battery intern at Solid Power Inc. before joining UT Austin.

Hobby: Playing competitive tennis 🎾 at the NTPR 4.5 level. Mastering tasty recipes (Mediterranean & Korean cuisine are my comfort zones, but I am trying to expand to other cultures too!).

E-mail: kangminkim@utexas.edu (Linkedin)

Zishuo Zhao (Ph.D. student)

Bio: Zishuo joined the Materials Science & Engineering program at UT Austin in Fall 2024. His research focuses on developing polymer and composite-polymer electrolyte systems, with the aim of integrating these electrolytes into solid-state lithium-metal pouch cells. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Beijing University of Chemical Technology and his Master’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering from Arizona State University.

Hobby: Cooking, playing video games, and engaging in outdoor activities

E-mail: zzhao@utexas.edu (Linkedin)

Alumni

Dr. Jong Heon Kim (currently a Battery Scientist at Samsung)
Dr. Jiang Cui (currently a Battery Scientist at Tesla)
Dr. Ljalem Hadush Abrha (currently a Postdoc at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology)
Dr. Shanshan Yao (currently a Research Scientist at Applied Materials)
Dr. Pradeepkumar Jagadesan (currently a Research Scientist at KLA)

Visitors

Dr. Il Tae Kim — Professor of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Gachon University, South Korea