Chemical engineering graduate student Cassie Duclos has earned the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship, one of the nation’s most prestigious awards supporting graduate students conducting research in STEM disciplines.
The award is part of the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP), whose goal is to recognize and support graduate students pursuing full-time research-based graduate degrees.
Her current project focuses on redox-active polymers, which are key components of organic batteries that could eventually replace lithium batteries for improved sustainability.
“The project I’m specifically working on is looking at these redox-active polymers and adding in dopants,” Duclos said. “These are extra charged molecules that will modify how the electrolytes and ions move within the battery during charging.”
Duclos is not tied to any specific research project through the fellowship, giving her freedom to explore new ideas with her faculty advisor Dr. Jodie Lutkenhaus , chemical engineering professor and associate dean for research.
“I think it’s going to be very beneficial to research what I want to. I can follow my own interests,” Duclos said. “It will also help in securing new fellowships in the future, like a postdoc after graduate school.”
The fellowship will allow Duclos to explore innovative, high-risk ideas in the development of next-generation organic batteries. The work aligns with her passion for advancing sustainable energy technologies.
“I am so proud of Cassie’s accomplishment. She worked hard on this application, and it feels great to see her dedication rewarded,” Lutkenhaus said. “This fellowship is one of the most prestigious recognitions that a new graduate student can achieve.”
By Raven Wuebker , Texas A&M University College of Engineering
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