2025 IES Signing Bonus Recipients
Hana Kim – Communication & Media, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
Hana Kim is a 2020 graduate from Stony Brook University where she studied Political Science. She is pursuing a PhD in Communications and Media, as well as the Science, Technology, and Public Policy Certificate program. Hana investigates psychological factors to explain public attitudes around environmental policies and clean energy technology, including nuclear power. She reports “despite its potential to curb greenhouse gas emissions, nuclear power has long faced public opposition due to deep-rooted fears of nuclear risks”. Although there is ample research around the fears of nuclear power, there is room for more research into the exact psychological processes behind the distrust, which Kim hopes to uncover. Her advisor, Sol Hart, has published works around science communication and message framing for bipartisan support. Hana Kim hopes to expand upon Professor Hart’s work and inform communication strategies.
Peter Dunphy (Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering)
Peter Dunphy is a 2023 graduate from Stevens Institute of Technology where he studied mechanical engineering and a recent University of Michigan MSE graduate, where he studied Aerospace Engineering with a focus on propulsion and aerodynamics. Peter is continuing at the University of Michigan to pursue his PhD in Mechanical Engineering. During his master’s program, Peter conducted experimental research to determine the impact of siloxanes, a common biogas contaminant, on the flame speed of methane-air mixtures in order to improve biogas combustion phenomena and help support its development as a sustainable energy source. He is motivated to work in energy by his interest in thermodynamics and energy systems, in particular combustion and propulsion. Dunphy reports “seeing the potential influence that energy research can have on the future has inspired me to continue working in the energy sector”. Continuing in Margaret Wooldridge’s lab, he is eager to continue collaborating with motivated individuals to make advancements in the energy sector towards alternative fuels and clean, efficient energy production.
John “Jack” McKinney – Materials Science & Engineering, College of Engineering
Jack McKinney is a 2024 graduate from Washington and Lee University, where he studied Physics. Jack grew inspiration to work in energy storage and renewable energy from growing up close to the coal industry in West Virginia. After graduating with his Physics degree, Jack was searching for further direction and started working with Professor Katsuyo Thornton’s group. McKinney says the efforts with the Thornton group helped him “better understand materials research and gave a more defined goal of working in the EVC at the University of Michigan”.
Daisy Levine – Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering
Daisy Levine graduated from West Virginia University in 2023 with her bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering. She has been working for the last two years as an electromechanical engineer at Aurora Flight Sciences, working on integrating and testing electrical systems for research and development aircraft. Daisy’s interest in energy began when her dad founded a solar startup – although the business was unsuccessful, it sparked an interest in the environment and sustainability, especially renewable energy. Having grown up in a rural environment and having spent the last two years in Virginia, Levine notes “I have seen firsthand how solar farms built in West Virginia can be used to power huge data centers across the border in Virginia, rather than directly benefiting the community.” Working it Professor Sita Syal’s EMBERla, she plans to focus her research on the design and implementation of sustainable energy projects that equitably serve all communities and their constituents.
Han Liu – Industrial & Operations Engineering, College of Engineering
Han Liu completed her B.S. in Computer Science and her B.S. in Mathematics at the University of Michigan in 2022, completed her M.S. in Computer Science at Columbia University in 2023, and is returning to the University of Michigan for her PhD program in Industrial and Operations Engineering. Han is motivated by a commitment to applying statistical and computational approaches to address real-world engineering challenges. She is eager to work on a project focusing on vehicle battery health prediction while working with Professor Judy Jin. Liu hopes “to contribute to more reliable and efficient battery management systems, which are critical for scaling clean transportation”. She also aims to develop AI-driven frameworks that can improve decision-making and operational efficiency across the energy sector.
Annalise Gade – Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences, College of Engineering
Annalise Gade recently earned her B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wyoming in 2025. She was first introduced to nuclear energy when TerraPower announced its Natrium Project in her home state – the development sparked an interest in nuclear as a clean and reliable energy. Annalise is focused on deepening her understanding of materials science in nuclear systems and engaging with the community to promote nuclear energy through the Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences program with Professor Stephen Raiman. Gade says she is excited to continue this work at the University of Michigan and to “contribute to this vibrant research community and help advance what I see as a critical pathway toward global energy sustainability.”
Divya Iyer – Materials Sciences & Engineering, College of Engineering
Divya Iyer recently graduated in 2025 with a B.S. in Materials Science & Engineering from Georgia Tech. Divya became interested in energy through sustainability, particularly batteries after interning at Panasonic Energy. She focused in her undergraduate program on electrochromic devices and electrochemistry, concentrating on fabricating irreversible electrochromic devices through electropolymerization. She will be studying Materials Science and Engineering under Professor Yiyang Li, focusing on the materials of Lithium Ion Batteries. Iyer hopes to work in charge storage research & development and hopes to use her experience with functional materials and electrochemistry to “improve the way we conserve energy, continuing my commitment to sustainability”.
So Young Yang – School of Environment and Sustainability
So Young graduated with her Master’s in Energy and Environmental Policy from Korea University in 2024 and has recently worked for the Korea Energy Economics Institute (KEEI), focusing on research around energy policy. She has had experience working in international energy policy development research, including a World Bank project. She will be starting her PhD in the School of Environment and Sustainability. She is inspired by the critical problem of securing environmental and economic sustainability in energy systems. She aspires to grow as an independent researcher with expertise in interdisciplinary research and to advance computational modeling techniques while working with Professor Parth Vaishnav. Yang also reports on the importance of improving herself personally and collaboratively – “I believe becoming a good co-worker is equally important as being an independent researcher.”
Rosemary Moneé Hardesty – Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences, College of Engineering
Rosemary Moneé Hardesty, with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Old Dominion University and a M.S.E. in Nuclear Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is joining the University of Michigan to complete her PhD in Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences. Currently serving in the U.S. Navy as a career Naval Officer and Nuclear Engineer, Hardesty’s work bridges hands-on reactor operations, advanced research, and strategic program leadership. Hardesty is interested in advancing nuclear waste management strategies and innovative reactor materials. She will be pursuing her studies under Todd Allen and intends to serve as a Permanent Military Professor at the US Naval Academy following her doctorate program to prepare future leaders while continuing to advance nuclear innovation in support of national security and environmental stewardship.