Jenny Nicolas

As a NYC-native, I sought adventure and chose to attend the University of Edinburgh (Scotland) for an integrated bachelors/masters program. I became interested in renewable energy during my Master’s thesis project on phase change materials within thermal energy storage systems. I enjoyed trying to solve the problem of incongruent melting within these materials, while being motivated by their application as a low-cost and clean alternative to heat drafty buildings.

After graduating I knew I wanted to continue my pursuit of scientific research but first wanted to learn more about the process of deploying renewable technologies and how to overcome challenges which arise during implementation. Working in solar development as a project manager, I grasped the importance of community engagement and satisfying the needs of varied stakeholders. I am excited to bring this wider context back with me to enrich my research output as I focus on solid state batteries within the Laboratory for Energy Storage and Conversion under Professor Shirley Meng.