Ph.D. Students

Ph.D. Students
Phuc Dang Manh

Phuc Dang Manh

Ph.D. Student

Dang Manh Phuc is pursuing a PhD in the Nano Science and Technology Program through the Taiwan International Graduate Program at Academia Sinica, under the guidance of Professors Kuei-Hsien Chen and Li-Chyong Chen. His research centers on alloy-based electrocatalysts for CO₂ reduction, exploring how variations in metal composition and structural design impact catalytic efficiency, selectivity, and stability.

Varad A. Modak

Varad A. Modak

Ph.D. Student

 Varad Modak is a curious mind passionate about science, creativity, and storytelling. With a background in electrochemistry and materials research, he explores innovations that bridge sustainability and technology. His current work focuses on developing efficient bismuth-based electrocatalysts for CO₂-to-formic acid conversion and electrospun nickel single-atom catalysts for CO₂-to-CO conversion. Guided by collaboration, creativity, and curiosity, Varad brings enthusiasm to every pursuit. Beyond the lab, he enjoys reading, hiking, quizzing and chess.

Muhammad Roman

Muhammad Roman

Ph.D. Student

Biosketch:
Ph.D. in Physics, National Taiwan University–Academia Sinica joint program, Taiwan, Ongoing
MPhil. Physics, Government College University Lahore, Pakistan, 2021
B.Sc. Physics, Islamia College University Peshawar, Pakistan, 2019
Research area: Developing low-cost single-crystal, Thermoelectrics for sustainable power generation and solid-state cooling, and Metal organic frameworks and conducting polymers for hybrid-supercapacitor application.

Ching-An (Ching-An) Chang

Ching-An (Ching-An) Chang

Ph.D. Student

Expertise: Photocatalysis, 3D NAND Process Integration, Dry Etch Process; Inorganic Synthesis
Currently focusing on the synthesis of metal dichalcogenides and their applications on photocatalytic CO2 reduction.

Mebratu Assaye

Mebratu Assaye

Ph.D. Student

A PhD student in the Sustainable Chemical Science and Technology (SCST) Program at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), jointly offered with Academia Sinica, Taiwan. I have an MSc in Thermal Engineering from Bahir Dar University and a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from Debre Markos University, Ethiopia. My research focuses on developing advanced thermoelectric materials for efficient low-temperature waste-heat recovery and sustainable energy conversion applications.

Septia Kholimatussadiah

Septia Kholimatussadiah

Ph.D. Student

Septia Kholimatussadiah is a Ph.D. student from Department of Physics, National Taiwan University, under the supervision of Prof. Li-Chyong Chen and Prof. Kuei-Hsien Chen. She was a former master’s student at AML, working on thin-film solar cells growth, characterization, and fabrication. Her current Ph.D. research focuses on two-dimensional materials growth, functionalization, and investigation using atomic force microscopy-based techniques, particularly scanning electrochemical microscopy (AFM-SECM).

Mengstu Etay Ashebir

Mengstu Etay Ashebir

Ph.D. Student

Mengstu Etay obtained his B.Ed. in Chemistry and M.Sc. in Inorganic Chemistry from Mekelle University, Ethiopia. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Sustainable Chemical Science and Technology under the Taiwan International Graduate Program at Academia Sinica. His research focuses on the development of efficient electrocatalysts, characterization using advanced spectroscopic techniques, and their application in electrochemical CO₂ reduction using a flow-cell setup. He is jointly supervised by Prof. Kuei-Hsien Chen and Prof. Li-Chyong Chen.

Sumangaladevi Koodathil

Sumangaladevi Koodathil

Ph.D. Student

Sumangaladevi Koodathil is a PhD student in Materials Science whose research focuses on the nano-electrochemical properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials. She synthesizes transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) single crystals using solid-state and chemical vapor transport methods, followed by nanoscale characterization with AFM-SECM and KPFM. Her work aims to understand the relationship between local electrochemical activity and surface potential in 2D materials.