Sophomore Grace Zhang wins fellowship for hydrogen research

Grace Zhang, a junior majoring in Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, is already making an impact through her research in sustainable energy. As a recipient of the 2024-2025 Sophomore Research Fellowship for her work as a member of the Krishna Sustainable Catalysis Research Group, Zhang is advancing work on cutting-edge hydrogen storage technologies. One of the university’s most competitive undergraduate research honors, the award provides $3,000 to the student recipient and $500 to the faculty project advisor to work in collaboration on research projects. With it, Zhang hopes to address real-world environmental challenges.

Why UW-Madison?

When Zhang was choosing a university, she sought a place that offered not only academic rigor but also a vibrant community with resources and research opportunities. “I wanted to be at a larger school and have the potential to connect with people from diverse backgrounds,” she explains. UW–Madison stood out from the crowd. The city of Madison itself, the capital of Wisconsin, also added to the appeal.

But beyond location and community, it was UW–Madison’s strong emphasis on research and interdisciplinary learning that caught her attention. She knew she wanted hands-on experience with environmental issues—and chemical engineering presented the perfect blend of theory and application. “I was interested in a career focused on sustainability, and the problem-solving aspect of engineering really appealed to me,” she says. The CBE department’s research in areas like materials, energy, and catalysis only deepened her interest.

“I liked that UW-Madison offered a strong foundation for my interests in environmental issues and materials science,” she adds. This decision has clearly paid off, as Zhang has been able to pursue her passions while receiving mentorship from faculty members at the cutting edge of their fields. Since joining the program, Zhang has found a welcoming and collaborative community.

Solving tomorrow’s energy challenges today

Curious to explore research as a potential career, Zhang’s foray into research began with her decision to join the lab of Duane H. and Dorothy M. Bluemke Assistant Professor Siddarth Krishna. The lab’s focus on sustainability and the opportunity for personal growth attracted her from the start. “I wanted to see if research was something I would enjoy long-term, and the sustainability angle was a perfect fit for my interests,” Zhang explains.

Her project, titled Bimetallic Impacts on Liquid Carrier Dehydrogenation for Renewable Hydrogen Storage, won her the 2024-2025 Sophomore Research Fellowship. At the heart of Zhang’s project is the development of efficient catalysts for hydrogen storage. Hydrogen, as a clean energy source, holds great potential for addressing the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources like solar and wind. However, the challenge lies in efficiently storing and releasing hydrogen for long-term use. Zhang’s work focuses on liquid carrier molecules, which can reversibly store hydrogen through chemical bonds.

“Hydrogen can be produced from renewable energy, but effective storage is key to making it a viable long-term energy solution,” she explains. Her research investigates bimetallic catalysts—catalysts made from two different metals—to improve the dehydrogenation process, which is the critical step of releasing hydrogen from the liquid carriers. The ultimate goal is to design catalysts that increase energy-storage efficiency, making hydrogen a more practical solution for renewable energy storage.

Zhang recognizes the broader impact of her research and sees it as part of a larger effort to understand and improve energy storage technologies. “Better understanding catalyst-carrier interactions could lead to more efficient catalyst designs, not just for hydrogen storage but also for other applications in chemical production processes,” she adds.

With her Sophomore Research Fellowship supporting her ongoing work, Zhang is excited to continue her research in hydrogen storage and seeing how her project can evolve. She’s also keen to explore further how chemical engineering can contribute to solving larger-scale environmental challenges.

Lessons from the field

Zhang’s research has allowed her to gain practical experience, helping her develop skills for her future career. Contributing to a project with real-world applications has also given her a deeper sense of purpose in her studies. “The skills I’ve gained here, especially writing proposals and learning to communicate complex ideas, have been invaluable,” she reflects.

Zhang credits much of her growth to the mentorship she has received in the lab. “I’m really grateful for my graduate student mentor, Matt Edgar, for his patience, and Professor Krishna for providing me with this amazing opportunity,” she reflects. The collaborative environment in the Krishna Lab has been instrumental not only in her academic development but also in giving her the space to grow as a researcher.

To students hoping to follow a similar path, Zhang emphasizes being proactive early in seeking out the many opportunities on campus, which can help students find their niche. “If you’re not sure where to start, I’d recommend reviewing research from several departments and emailing professors who’s work you find interesting,” says Zhang. She also recommends attending campus talks and poster sessions—like those hosted by the CBE department or at events like the Sustainability Symposium.

What’s next?

As Zhang moves forward in her academic journey, she remains dedicated to her goal of contributing to a sustainable future. “This experience has solidified my interest in research, and I’m excited to continue building on what I’ve learned here at UW-Madison,” she concludes.

Grace Zhang’s journey is just beginning, but her passion for sustainability, combined with her dedication to research, is already making a meaningful impact. With the mentorship and resources available to her at UW-Madison, there’s no doubt that Zhang is poised to continue making strides in the field of renewable energy.