Members

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.

Bandiyah Sri   Aprillia

Bandiyah Sri Aprillia

Ph.D. Student

Bandiyah Sri Aprillia is a Ph.D. candidate in Applied Sciences and Technology at NTUST. She was former master’s student at AML, addressing the Voc deficit in CZTSSe solar cells through AMF nanolayer engineering at ITO. Holding a BSc in Theoretical Physics, she specialized in DFT studies of the effects of Fe atomic catalysts on O₂ dissociation. Her research focuses on catalyst design for Electrochemical conversion of CO₂RR into valuable fuels.

Mengstu Etay (Menge)  Ashebir

Mengstu Etay (Menge) Ashebir

Postdoctoral Researcher

Mengstu Etay Ashebir is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institute of Atomic and Molecular Sciences, Academia Sinica. He earned his PhD in Sustainable Chemical Science and Technology through the Taiwan International Graduate Program (TIGP), a joint program between National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Academia Sinica. He received his M.Sc. in Inorganic Chemistry from Mekelle University, Ethiopia. His research focuses on catalyst design, material characterization, electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction, and mechanistic studies. He is jointly supervised by Prof. Kuei-Hsien Chen and Prof.

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.

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.

Hao-Chun (Lucas)  Chang

Hao-Chun (Lucas) Chang

B.Sc. Student

He is an undergraduate student majoring in Chemistry at National Taiwan Normal University. His current research focuses on the synthesis and modification of carbon nitride thin films for photocatalytic applications.

Hao-Wei (Howard)   Chang

Hao-Wei (Howard) Chang

B.Sc. Student

He is an undergraduate student majoring in Chemistry at National Taiwan Normal University. His current research focuses on developing low-cost, high-performance tin sulfide thermoelectric materials.

Shuo-Yun (Andante)  Chang

Shuo-Yun (Andante) Chang

Ph.D. Student

He is Shuo-Yun Chang, a student currently studying in the Department of Chemistry at National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU). He has three years of experience in the Advanced Material Lab (AML). His research interests include semiconductor physics, 2D materials, g-C₃N₄, photocatalysis, and CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR). He also has experience in Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy, strategic material synthesis, and material characterization, bringing creativity, dedication, and a collaborative spirit to every project.

Yu-Jung (Una)  Chen

Yu-Jung (Una) Chen

B.Sc. Student

Yu-Jung Chen is an undergraduate researcher interested in photocatalysis and two-dimensional materials. She enjoys hands-on experimental work, exploring material properties and targeted modifications to enhance catalytic performance for energy and environmental applications.

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.

Rida  Fatima

Rida Fatima

Ph.D. Student

She completed her Master of Philosophy at Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan. She is currently a Ph.D. student at National Taiwan University in the Sustainable Chemical Science and Technology Program through the Taiwan International Graduate Program at Academia Sinica, under the guidance of Professors Kuei-Hsien Chen. Her current research focuses on the electrochemical reduction of CO₂ into valuable fuels.

Chih-Yang (Jim)  Huang

Chih-Yang (Jim) Huang

Postdoctoral Researcher

He received his master’s degree from National Taiwan Ocean University in 2018. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate in the International Graduate Program of Molecular Science and Technology at National Taiwan University. His research mainly focuses on solar cells and artificial photosynthesis.

Kexin (Connie)  Huang

Kexin (Connie) Huang

M.Sc. Student

She is currently researching two-dimensional materials (WSe₂) and exploring electrochemical methods to enhance their photocatalytic performance.

Yu-Chieh (Jay)  Huang

Yu-Chieh (Jay) Huang

Ph.D. Student

He received his B.S. in Chemistry from National Kaohsiung Normal University and M.S. from National Taiwan Normal University. He is currently a Ph.D. student in the Molecular Science and Technology Program (MST) at National Taiwan University. His research focuses on the catalytic microwave Boudouard reaction, system assembly, and electrochemical CO₂ reduction (EC-CO₂RR).

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.