February 10-14, 2025 – Penn’s Energy Week 2025 was nothing short of electrifying. This annual event brought together brilliant minds from academia, industry, and government to tackle some of the most pressing global challenges. VIPER students played a crucial role in the week’s events, showcasing their cutting-edge research, engaging in thought-provoking discussions, and proving that the future of energy is in capable hands.
Lightning Talks: Showcasing Innovative Research
Kicking off the week, VIPER students Tony Tian and Max Chen Huang took center stage at Monday’s Lightning Talks.
Tony’s talk, "Quantum Dots for Energy-Efficient Optoelectronics: An Interdisciplinary Approach", explored the transformative potential of quantum dots (QDs) in modern optoelectronics. His research focuses on designing and assembling multi-material QD electronics, which exhibit novel optical properties. By leveraging a colloidal atomic layer deposition (cALD) shelling method developed in the Cherie Kagan lab, Tony investigates how precise control over shell composition can enhance photoluminescence, stability, and overall device performance.
Max presented "Accelerating Green Hydrogen: Using Computational Models for Water Splitting Efficiency". His talk emphasized the crucial role of hydrogen in a sustainable energy future. He highlighted the challenges in improving reaction kinetics and how computational modeling paired with machine learning can accelerate the catalyst discovery process. His presentation earned him the Judge’s Choice Award, recognizing his impactful and well-communicated research.
Catalyzing Clean Energy Investments
Tuesday’s events included a panel discussion exploring the Department of Energy’s strategies for mobilizing private investment in clean energy technologies. Experts from industry, government, and academia shared insights into policy mechanisms, financial incentives, and collaborative efforts aimed at accelerating the transition to sustainable energy solutions.
VIPER first-year Ellen Hu, majoring in chemistry and materials science engineering, attended the discussion. Reflecting on the event, she shared, “It’s interesting how the DOE develops strategic plans for reducing fossil fuel emissions and investing in clean energy. I was excited to gain perspective on the policy side of the fight against climate change.”
She was especially motivated by Dr. Vanessa Chan, a Penn alumna, former Chief Commercialization Officer at the DOE, and current faculty member in the MSE department. She says, “I was highly inspired by Dr. Chan’s role in advancing hydrogen and geothermal energies. I look forward to further connecting with her.”
Ellen’s experience underscores how events like Energy Week not only provide technical knowledge but also inspire students to envision their future roles in shaping energy policy and innovation.
VIPER Students Present Cutting-Edge Research
On Wednesday, the Energy Week Poster Session provided an opportunity for VIPER students to showcase their ongoing research, spanning materials science, sustainable fuels, and energy storage solutions.
Many of these projects stemmed from research conducted over the summer and throughout the semester, underscoring VIPER’s commitment to hands-on learning and interdisciplinary exploration. Attendees engaged in dynamic discussions with presenters, gaining valuable insights into the latest breakthroughs in energy science and technology.
Advancing Sustainable Energy Solutions
Thursday’s keynote featured Dr. Gregg Beckham from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), who delivered the 3rd Vagelos Institute Lectureship in Energy Science and Technology.
His talk addressed the global plastics waste crisis and the development of technologies enabling circular materials flows for plastics. Dr. Beckham highlighted the work of the BOTTLE Consortium, a U.S. Department of Energy-funded initiative focused on making today’s hard-to-recycle plastics circular while designing future plastics to be bio-based and inherently sustainable. He showcased how process modeling, techno-economic analysis, and life cycle assessment metrics guide innovations in plastics recycling and redesign.
VIPER fourth-year Vivek Nair, majoring in Chemistry and Materials Science & Engineering, attended the lecture and reflected on its significance: "The talk was a powerful reminder that solving the plastics crisis requires a multidisciplinary approach.”
The integration of materials science, policy, and economic modeling is key to creating truly circular solutions. Vivek adds, “Seeing how research can directly inform large-scale sustainability initiatives was incredibly inspiring. It reinforced my passion for developing new materials that balance performance with environmental responsibility."
VIPER’s Role in the Future of Energy
Energy Week 2025 highlighted VIPER students’ dedication to advancing energy research and innovation. Whether through engaging discussions, award-winning presentations, or thought-provoking research, these students continue to make meaningful contributions to the field. As the global energy landscape evolves, their work will play a vital role in shaping a more sustainable future.
