ANN ARBOR, MI
The Electrochemical Society (ECS) and the Toyota Research Institute of North America (TRINA) have announced the 2025-2026 cohort of ECS Toyota Young Investigator Fellows, recognizing emerging leaders in electrochemical and solid-state science and technology. This prestigious fellowship supports early-career researchers who demonstrate outstanding potential to advance the field through innovative research. The selected fellows receive financial support, professional development opportunities, and a platform to collaborate with experts worldwide.
The program aims to foster the next generation of scientists and engineers focused on energy storage, conversion, and related technologies critical to sustainable development. Fellows are chosen based on their scientific achievements, creativity, and leadership qualities. This partnership between ECS and Toyota highlights the importance of nurturing talent to address global challenges such as clean energy and environmental sustainability.
By investing in young investigators, ECS and Toyota promote cutting-edge research that can lead to breakthroughs in batteries, fuel cells, and other electrochemical devices. The fellowship also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange, accelerating innovation in the field. Overall, the ECS Toyota Young Investigator Fellowship represents a significant commitment to empowering future leaders who will shape the future of electrochemical science and technology.
We congratulate the 2025-2026 ECS Toyota Young Investigator Fellows:
Wesley Chang (Drexel University, US)
Dr. Chang is developing ultrasound-based 3D tomography techniques to map the localized state-of-health of sodium-ion batteries. His approach uses Gaussian decomposition signal processing to accurately resolve reflections from individual battery electrode layers, aiming to improve battery safety and diagnostics.
Jovan Kamcev (University of Michigan, US)
Dr. Kamcev’s project focuses on creating alkaline-stable anion-exchange membranes with ultrahigh charge densities and controlled water uptake. By using multifunctional charged cross-linkers, his membranes aim to enhance ionic conductivity and mechanical stability for applications in fuel cells and water electrolysis.
Jeffrey Lopez (Northwestern University, US)
Dr. Lopez is engineering polymer binders to stabilize high-capacity FeF3 conversion cathodes, addressing volume expansion and electrode degradation. This binder engineering approach targets cost-effective, critical mineral-free cathodes to improve electric vehicle battery performance and sustainability.
Gioele Pagot (Università degli Studi di Padova, Italy)
Dr. Pagot aims to develop single-ion conducting solid-state polymer electrolytes by functionalizing polyketones with boron-based groups to enhance lithium-ion conductivity and mechanical stability. His work targets safer, scalable, and high-performance lithium batteries without flammable liquid electrolytes.
Evan Wenbo Zhao (Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen, The Netherlands)
Dr. Zhao is advancing in situ NMR techniques to study the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation during lithium metal deposition. His method provides detailed insights into interfacial processes critical for improving lithium metal battery efficiency and stability.
These projects collectively push the frontiers of battery diagnostics, membrane materials, electrode stabilization, solid-state electrolytes, and operando characterization to enable safer, more efficient, and sustainable electrochemical energy technologies.
Please read more about the 2025-2026 Fellows: LINK
Do you have questions about the ECS Toyota Young Investigator Fellowship? Contact The Electrochemical Society’s Senior Director of Engagement, Shannon Reed, to learn more: Shannon.Reed@electrochem.org.
