Member Profiles
Graduate Students
Jeffin James Abraham
Hometown: Doha, Qatar
Program: Ph.D. in Chemistry
Joined: September 2022
I completed my BSc in Chemistry from Qatar University in 2018. During my undergraduate degree, I interned as a lab analyst at Anti-Doping Lab Qatar, and I also worked as an undergraduate research assistant at the Center for Advanced Materials (CAM) at Qatar University. I further worked as a full-time research assistant at CAM from 2018 to 2022, focusing on developing electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries. I joined the Dah-Metzger-Yang lab in fall 2022, and currently, I am working on different electrolytes and additives for Li-ion batteries. I am an avid football and Formula 1 fan, and in my spare time, I enjoy watching matches and races.
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Anu Adamson
Hometown: Tartu, Estonia
Program: Ph.D. in Chemistry
Joined: September 2021
I graduated with a BSc and MSc from the University of Tartu with my research focusing on sodium-ion batteries, more specifically on hard carbon anodes and layered oxide cathodes. I am very excited to be working in the Jeff Dahn Research Group to contribute to solving real-life issues involving lithium-ion batteries, my current research being focused on positive electrode materials. When I am not working or studying, I enjoy playing the piano, reading literature from different corners of the world, and discovering new cuisines and places!
Anu's Research
Cathode materials research
Contact
anu.adamson@dal.ca
Assylzat Aishova
Hometown: Shardara, Kazakhstan
Program: PhD in Chemical Engineering
Joined: January 2023
I received my B.Sc. in Chemistry from Eurasian National University (Astana, Kazakhstan) and M.Sc. in Energy Engineering from Hanyang University in Seoul, South Korea. During my graduate study at Hanyang University, I had a great opportunity to learn about high-energy density Ni-rich NCM and NCA cathodes, their technology, and scale-up production for EV applications under the supervision of Prof. Yang-Kook Sun. Currently, my PhD research is focused on developing of next-generation high-energy cathode materials for Li-ion batteries and understanding their failure mechanism. I love enjoying my morning coffee before starting my experiments every day and when I am not working in the lab, I enjoy reading books, cooking, and hiking sometimes.
Contact
assylzat.aishova@dal.ca
Ethan Alter
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
Program: M.Sc. in Chemistry
Joined: September 2021
I received my BASc in Nanotechnology Engineering at the University of Waterloo in 2019, during which I completed a number of battery-related internships. These include lithium-ion degradation research at Tesla, research on lithium-sulfur materials in Singapore, and commercial fast charging protocol development at an EV startup in California. Before joining the Dahn Group, I worked at a niobium-anode startup in the UK and started writing for a battery industry newsletter called Intercalation Station. My current research focusses on the study of electrolyte degradation mechanisms in lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. In my spare time I like to watch extremely detailed YouTube videos about theme park rides.
Ethan's Research
High voltage performance of Li-ion cells
Contact
ethan.alter@dal.ca
Saad Azam
Hometown: Mandeville, Louisiana
Program: Ph.D. in Chemistry
Joined: September 2020
I received my B.Sc in Biology, and Chemistry from University of Arkansas at Little Rock (Valedictorian for the Class of 2015). During my undergraduate, I completed multiple co-ops (3) at NASA-JPL where I worked on fuel-cells and metal-hydride-air batteries (Dr. Ratnakumar Bugga). Upon graduation, I was hired by California Institute of Technology (Caltech) to work on 3-D architect Li-ion batteries (Dr. Neil Fromer). After a short stint at Caltech, I transitioned to Underwriters Laboratories Inc. as a Research Associate where I spent 3 years studying the safety of commercial lithium-ion batteries under various abuse conditions (Dr. Judy Jeevarajan). My current research in Dahn Lab is focused on developing novel electrolytes for high-voltage systems and to study electrolyte degradation pathways
Saad's research
High voltage electrolyte
Contact
saad.azam@dal.ca
Emily Butler
Hometown: North Gower, ON
Program: MSc in Physics
Joined: January 2023
I completed my BASc in Engineering Physics at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. Before finding my way to the battery field, I contributed to photonics projects and stratospheric balloon telescope systems at Queen’s, and I worked for several companies on lidar vision systems for autonomous automotive and rugged industrial applications. After choosing to focus my career on climate change, I came to Dalhousie, where I am developing new instruments for analyzing electrolyte pumping during cycling in cylindrical cells. I love going home to the countryside and the 1000 Islands, as well as sailing, skiing, and spending time with animals.
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Kevin Chen
Hometown: Tianjin, China
Program: PhD in Chemistry
Joined: September 2024
I finished my undergraduate degree for Chemical Engineering and Technology in Dalian University of Technology, China. My previous work focused on Ni-rich layered cathode for Li-ion cells. In Dahn Lab, I do research in the modification and safety of LIBs’ cathodes. In spare time, I would like to play badminton
Contact
Jay Deshmukh
Hometown: Maharashtra, India
Program: M.A.Sc., Ph.D. Chemical Engineering
Joined: September 2021
During the completion of my undergraduate Chemical Engineering program (2021), I was involved in various research projects, including the synthesis of Co-Fe nanoparticles and the growth of silicon nanowires via CVD technique. In 2023–24, I also worked at Tesla in Silicon Valley (Palo Alto, California), part of the Cell Engineering team, with a focus on the development of advanced high-energy alloy-based battery systems.
My current research primarily focuses on the development of electrode materials using earth-abundant elements (like Prussian Blue Analogs) and electrolyte platforms for next-gen battery technologies targeting EVs and stationary storage applications. A weekend project also includes the development of a so-called energy-efficient “Desalination Batteries” technology that employs intercalation mechanism-based materials for the production of freshwater. My goal is to help accelerate the transition towards a sustainable and inspiring future.
When not working or brainstorming start-up ideas, I very passionately enjoy football (soccer), cycling, and running. Guitar, reading, learning new languages, meditation, and hiking also keep me occupied at times.
Contact
jay.deshmukh@dal.ca
Misha Donais
Hometown: Guelph, ON
Program: M.Sc. Physics
Joined: September 2024
I graduated from McGill University with a bachelors in Materials Engineering. During my undergraduate studies, I did a coop at NanoXplore working on graphene/polymer composites, and I also worked in a lab at McGill synthesizing manganese-based rock salt cathodes. My work in the Dahn lab focuses on electrolyte pumping in cylindrical cells, examining both electrolyte motion and salt gradients within cells. Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing volleyball, rock climbing, and reading.
Contact
Reid Dressler
Hometown: Shields, Saskatchewan
Program: PhD Physics
Joined: September 2021
I received my B.Eng. in Engineering Physics from the University of Saskatchewan in 2018. I have experience in research with superconducting materials and organic solar cells and spent time working on remote sensing devices tracking water levels in the snow pack during my undergraduate studies. In my free time, I enjoy staying active with sports such as basketball and watching movies.
Contact
reid.dressler@dal.ca
Animesh Dutta
Hometown: Haldia, India
Program: PhD in Materials Engineering
Joined: September 2020
I completed my bachelor’s from IIEST Shibpur, India (2015) and master’s from IIT Kanpur, India (2018) in Materials Engineering. In between, I worked for one year in Tata Consulting Engineers Limited as a Consulting Engineer for an integrated steel plant. Before starting my PhD I worked as a research assistant at IIT Bombay, India under the supervision of Prof. Amartya Mukhopadhyay in the area of alkali metal ion batteries, especially cathode material for Na-ion batteries. I am excited to start my research in the area of Li-ion battery in such a great group and hopefully contribute something fruitful to make batteries better.
Contact:
an345084@dal.ca
Claire Floras
Hometown: Oakville, ON
Program: M.A.Sc. Materials Engineering
Joined: September 2023
I received my undergraduate degree in Engineering Physics at Queen's University where I developed an interest in engineering climate technology. Before coming to Dalhousie University, I completed two internships at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology where I was introduced to the field of battery research. During this time in Germany, I used various characterization techniques (including CT scans, high-precision microscopy, and SEM) to examine commercial cells post-cycling. Since joining the Dahn-Metzger-Yang Lab, my experiments have focused on degradation mechanisms and lifetime predictions in various Lithium-ion chemistries, utilizing a variety of characterization methods. I like to spend my spare time in the outdoors.
Contact:
claire.floras@dal.ca
Matthew Garayt
Hometown: Port Moody, BC
Program: PhD in Physics
Joined: September 2021
I graduated in 2019 with a BSc in Applied Physics from Simon Fraser University in BC during which I did an 8-month co-op term at E-One Moli Energy, the original rechargeable lithium metal battery company. After graduation I did a 4-month summer research term with Prof. Mark Obrovac in Chemistry at Dalhousie where I worked on mechanofusion and dry particle micro-granulation (DPMG). Afterward I returned to E-One Moli Energy as a full-time R&D Technologist for about two years as part of the Cathode Team. In my time here, I've worked on all-dry synthesis of NMC640, developed a single-layer pouch cell format, and researched sodium-alloying compounds like lead. In my spare time I like to play hockey, go on hikes, and discuss various battery- and EV-related topics.
Contact:
matthew.garayt@dal.ca
Ines Hamam
Hometown: Moncton, New Brunswick
Program: PhD Materials Engineering
Joined: September 2020
I received my B.Eng. in Electrical Engineering from the Université de Moncton in 2018. Throughout my bachelor's, I did co-op terms in optics research at the INRS in Montreal and an industrial placement at the Michelin plant in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. I then completed my MSc under the supervision of Dr. Dahn in 2020 focusing on the study of the impurity washing process of Ni-rich cathode materials. When I'm not working or stressing about climate change, I enjoy painting and visiting galleries and museums!
Contact:
ines.hamam@dal.ca
Kate Leslie
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Program: PhD in Chemistry
Joined: September 2022
I recieved my BSc. in Chemistry from Mount Allison University in 2022 where I studied gold nanoparticle synthesis and self-assembly. I completed my MSc in the spring of 2024 under the supervision of Prof. Michael Metzger focusing on the degredation of LMFP materials. In my free time I enjoy running, reading, or baking!
Contact:
kate.leslie@dal.ca
Martins Obialor
Hometown: Owerri, Nigeria
Program: MASc Chemical Engineering
Joined: May 2023
I received my B.Eng in Chemical Engineering from the University of Uyo in 2019, during which I completed research projects on zeolite synthesis for energy applications. In 2022, I completed a research term at the Energy Materials Lab in North Jeolla, South Korea, where I studied electrolytes for supercapacitors. This experience ignited my passion for working with rechargeable secondary batteries.
At the Dahn Lab, my current research focuses on enabling lead (Pb)as a negative electrode material for sodium-ion batteries and understanding the thermal stability of various active materials using Accelerated Rate Calorimetry (ARC).
When I am not in the lab, I can be found playing badminton, watching football (soccer) and catching up with family and friends.
Contact:
Divya Rathore
Hometown: Rajgarh, India
Program: Ph.D. in Physics
Joined: September 2020
I graduated with Integrated M.Sc. Physics and BE Mechanical from BITS Pilani, India in 2020 and started my Ph.D. in the same year. I did research internships at Purdue University, in the U.S., National Central University, Taiwan, and was a visiting student to Jeff Dahn Research Group during my undergrad. I love working towards understanding and developing sustainable methods of generating, storing, and utilizing energy. I enjoy traveling and reading in my free time. Coffee is also always a good idea!
Contact
dv972446@dal.ca
Parham Taghizadegan
Hometown: Tehran, Iran
Program: MASc. in Material Engineering
Joined: September 2024
I completed my BSc in Materials Science and Engineering from Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, in 2023. During my undergraduate studies, I worked as a research assistant at the Center for Nanostructured and Advanced Materials (CNAM) at Sharif University from 2021 to 2024. There, I gained extensive experience with various characterization techniques used in battery research, focusing on K-ion, Li-ion, and Lead-acid batteries, with a particular emphasis on anode materials for Li-ion systems. Currently, I am pursuing my MASc in Materials Engineering at Dalhousie University under the supervision of Dr. Jeff Dahn, focusing on Silicon anodes for Li-ion batteries. In my spare time, I enjoy walking, working out, and spending time with friends.
Contact
Ben Tang
Hometown: Hunan, China
Program: Ph.D. in Chemistry
Joined: September 2021
I received my Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering at Xiangtan University and got my master’s degree from Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). During my time in CAS, I was focusing on designing highly safe electrolytes for high energy density LIBs. Now that I have joined the Dahn lab, I’d like to do my research on something new even though it is challenging and tough. When I’m free would cook some delicious Chinese foods, go hiking to discover something new, or find a place to play Chinese bamboo flute.
Contact
ben.tang@dal.ca
Tina Taskovic
Hometown: Peterborough, Ontario
Program: M.Sc. in Chemistry
Joined: September 2018
I received my B.Sc in chemistry at Trent University in 2018. My desire to learn more about renewable energy and to help proliferate it lead me to join the Dahn lab as an M.Sc. candidate. When I am not in the lab; I enjoy spending my time running, travelling and catching up on some reading.
Contact
tina.taskovic@dal.ca
Meredith Tulloch
Hometown: Bedford, Nova Scotia
Program: MASc
Joined: September 2023
I'm a graduate student working on the On-line Electrochemical Mass Spectrometer with Michael Metzger as my supervisor. So far, I've really enjoyed my time apart of this research group! Prior to joining this lab, I received my B.Eng here at Dalhousie in Chemical Engineering. In my undergrad degree, I did several co-op placements including placements at EfficiencyOne and Acadian Seaplants. However, my introduction to sodium ion batteries in an elective course inspired me to continue my education and led me to take a Tesla internship the summer of 2023 before starting my Master's research. In my free time I love playing sports, especially ringette. My other hobbies include going to the movies and reading. 🙂
Contact
Ziwei Ye
Hometown: Zhengzhou, China
Program: Ph.D. in Physics
Joined: January 2022
I graduated from the University of Toronto with a BSc and MSc in Materials Science and Engineering, then I worked in BYD, Shenzhen as a battery design engineer and research assistant at the Southern University of Science and Technology before joining the Dahn lab. My current research focus is on the electrolyte optimization of Na-ion batteries. When not working in the lab, I like to go biking, playing tennis and soccer.
Contact
Ziwei.ye@dal.ca
Eniko Zsoldos
Hometown: Brampton, Ontario
Program: PhD in Chemistry
Joined: September 2020
I received my undergrad in Nanotechnology Engineering from the University of Waterloo, during which I completed co-op terms at Sila Nanotechnologies working on silicon-based anodes for batteries. I also had the opportunity to experience larger scale manufacturing of lithium-ion cells, by working on dry electrode processing at Tesla in Fremont, CA. Currently, my research in the Dahn lab is focused on high-nickel, cobalt-free cathode materials, specifically measuring and improving the diffusion of lithium ions in these materials. Outside of the lab, I love going rock climbing with my awesome labmates and playing ultimate frisbee.
Contact
eniko.zsoldos@dal.ca
Yixiang Zhang
Hometown: Chengdu, China
Program: PhD in Chemistry
Joined: September 2023
I finished my undergraduate and master in Fudan University, Shanghai, majoring in polymer chemistry and physics. During my master, I mainly worked on aqueous zinc batteries, which is very interesting and led me to the field of battery. Currently, my research in Dahn lab is focusing on anode materials and electrolyte for sodium ion batteries. In my spare time, I enjoy playing basketball, running and playing video games.
Contact
Yuqing Zhao
Hometown: Hanzhong, China
Program: PhD in Physics
Joined: September 2024
I obtained my B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from RWTH Aachen University in 2022 and my M.Sc. in Energy and Process Engineering from Technical University of Munich in 2024. During my studies, I did internships at BMW Battery Cell Competence Center in Munich for two years, where I worked on P2D model-based aging simulation and subsequently in situ porosity determination for automotive cylindrical cells.
I’m always fascinated by the aging mechanisms of all kinds of state-of-the-art batteries. My current research is focused on the investigation of the degradation of lithium-ion batteries with Si/C anodes and the development of physics-based models for predicting battery lifetime.
In my leisure time, I enjoy dancing and music, particularly blues and metal.
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Postdoctoral Fellows
Libin Zhang
Hometown: Changzhou, China
Joined: November 2021
I received my PhD in Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, where I focused on solid state synthesis and the measurements of electrical/thermal transport properties for thermoelectric applications. During this time, I enjoyed the process of problem-solving and understanding structure-property relationships. After joining the Dahn lab, my research is focused on developing electrode materials for sodium ion batteries. Outside of the lab, I enjoy exploring nature with my kids and working out with lovely lab-mates from time to time!
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Undergraduate Students
Julianne Jager
Hometown: Ottawa, NS
Program: Mechanical Engineering (B.Eng)+ Environmental Science
Joined: May 2024
I am interested in efficient engineering design, circular economy, renewable energy, and transition to net-zero carbon emissions. Most of my time is spent either at the lab, working with my autonomous sailboat design team, completing personal design projects, or reading an assortment of books and papers.
Contact
j.jager@dal.ca
Holden MacLennan
Hometown: Halifax, NS
Program: BSc in Chemistry/Mathematics
Joined: May 2023
I am currently in the third year of my BSc at Dalhousie. During my time at the Dahn/Metzger/Yang lab I have studied the degradation pathways of high-voltage electrolyte systems, with a focus on applications of NMR to Li-ion research. Outside of the lab I like to play rugby, electric guitar and go backcountry camping.
Contact
Sasha Martin Maher
Hometown: Halifax, NS
Program: BSc in Physics
Joined: May 2023
I am currently in the third year of my undergraduate degree in Physics at Dal. In the Dahn-Metzger-Yang lab, I work on electrolyte composition and post cycle analysis in pouch and cylindrical cells. Outside of work and school, I like to spend my time outdoors camping and hiking, playing rugby and practicing the drums.
Contact
s.martinmaher@dal.ca
Eytan Mendel-Elias
Hometown: Enfield, NS
Program: B.Eng in Computer Engineering
Joined: May 2024
I am currently a third-year Computer Engineering student at Dalhousie University. This summer I have the pleasure of working at the Jeff Dahn Lab as a Research Assistant, studying electrolyte additives in high-voltage lithium-ion systems and developing software used for data collection and analysis of battery performance. In my free time I love camping, physical activity, and exploring new places.
Contact
Ian Monchesky
Hometown: Halifax, NS
Program: BSc Double Major in Physics and Chemistry
Joined: July 2023
I'm currently pursuing a BSc Double Major in Physics and Chemistry here at Dalhousie. During my time in the lab, I've worked on Li-excess NMC materials, as well as alloy materials for Na-ion anodes. I also used to do competitive swimming, so in my spare time I like to stay active by going to the pool, gym, or going hiking.
Contact
Saar Omessi
Hometown: Haifa, Isreal
Program: B.Eng in Computer Engineering
Joined: May 2023
I am currently a third-year Computer Engineering student at Dalhousie University. In my first year at the lab, I focused on investigating the challenges associated with LMO spinel materials. In May 2024, I undertook a project to develop a high-precision battery cycling system using existing lab hardware, implementing the entire system in Python. In my free time I love to go to the beach, workout and arm-wrestle.
Contact
saar.omessi@dal.ca
Daphne Thompson
Hometown: Medicine Hat, AB
Program: B.Sc in Chemistry
Joined: May 2023
During my first year at the lab, I had the opportunity to investigate failure mechanisms in cobalt-free batteries such as transition-metal dissolution. In my second year at the lab, I am working on all-dry cathode synthesis and am just beginning work with ARC. If I have free time, I enjoy playing my violin and various physical activities, particularly hiking. I am heavily involved with the dance community in Halifax, such as teaching lessons for varying dance styles and helping with events.
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Dedicated Machinist