IES Graduate and Postdoctoral Fellow Profiles – 2025

Duncan Tyree

Duncan Tyree

Contact: [email protected]

Education:
2nd Year PhD Student in Electrical, Electronics, and Computer Engineering, University of Michigan — Dearborn, 2024,
M.S.E. in Mechanical Engineering, Kettering University, 2024,
B.S. Physics, Alma College, 2021.

Research:
My research focuses on the impact of lithium ion battery formation on cell cycle life and performance. Currently, I am focused on modeling the formation process using experimental data which will eventually allow the manufacturer to develop optimized formation procedures for different battery applications — saving both time and money in the manufacturing process. I also lead the University of Michigan’s Battery Workforce Challenge Team as their project manager, where I am focused on creating an inclusive and comprehensive engineering team for EV battery pack development through experiential learning.
Gagan K Goyal

Gagan Kumar Goyal

Contact:
[email protected]

Education:
Ph.D., Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science, Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, 2021
B.Tech – M.Tech, Nanotechnology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, 2014.


Research:
Additive manufacturing of metallic alloys for application in electronic motors, and energy harvesting from wasted heat. Melt pool modeling from the material-laser interaction. Thermoelectric materials development for device fabrication for cooling and energy harvesting.
Finite element analysis of the thermoelectric device design for power output assessment.


Jisu Yang

Jisu Yang

Contact: [email protected]

Education:
2nd Year PhD Candidate in Environmental EngineeringM.S. Civil and Environmental Engineering, Yonsei University, 2023B.S. Civil and Environmental Engineering, Yonsei University, 2021
Research:
I am interested in pioneering research to transform organic waste into valuable biochemical products. My work is at the intersection of microbial fermentation and electrochemical engineering. I investigate the potential of electro-fermentation technologies to enhance the production of bio-based chemicals from various waste streams. This research highlights the dual advantages of waste reduction and energy recovery from wastes that would otherwise be relegated to landfilling or incineration. Through these efforts, I aim to demonstrate how sustainable technologies can effectively manage waste while contributing to energy resilience.
Renata Starostka

Renata Starostka

Contact: [email protected]

Education:
4th year PhD Candidate Environmental Engineering
M.S.E. Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan, 2022
B.S.E. Environmental Engineering, Duke University, 2017
B.A. Mathematics, Duke University, 2017

Research:
Renata’s research is on conversion of organic waste streams, like sewage sludge and food waste, to bioenergy in the form of biogas. Specifically, she is focused on the development of an operational model for  dynamic membranes, an emerging technology, which utilizes a biofilm grown on a support mesh for biomass retention and biogas production.
Juan Estrada

Juan Estrada

Contact: [email protected]

Education:
3th Year PhD Candidate in Industrial and Operations Engineering
M.S. Industrial and Operations Engineering, University of Michigan, 2024
B.S. Engineering Management, University of Monterrey, Mexico, 2021

Research:
His research focuses on developing models and methodologies for solving large-scale nonconvex optimization problems in complex networks under uncertainty. Methods include stochastic optimization, distributionally robust optimization and reinforcement learning. Applications include risk management in the operation of energy systems, supply chains network design, and monitoring of infrastructure systems.
Renisha Karki

Renisha Karki

Contact: [email protected]

Education:
4th yr PhD Candidate in Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan
M.S. Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2021
B. Tech Biotechnology, Kathmandu University, 2016
B.S. Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, 2014


Research:
My PhD goal is centered on learning from natural systems to develop sustainable technologies for bioenergy recovery from various organic waste streams. Specifically, I aim to integrate microbial ecology with process engineering to better understand the microbial communities that drive these biochemical processes. 
I am involved in the operation of two-phase anaerobic dynamic membrane bioreactors. My primary focus lies in exploring the microbial communities and their functions within the first-phase or hydrolysis rumen reactor. This reactor simulates the conditions present in the rumen of ruminants due to its longer solids retention time and constantly maintained environmental conditions, such as pH and temperature. My research is also directed towards developing a mechanistic understanding of both the recovery of unstable reactors and the enhancement of hydrolysis in anaerobic digesters. Through these reactors, I aim to contribute to the development of more efficient and sustainable bioenergy recovery technologies.
Zach Pizzo

Zach Pizzo

Contact: [email protected]

Education:
2nd Year PhD Candidate in Chemical Engineering,
B.S. in Chemistry and Biology, Nova Southeastern University, 2023.

Research:
Zach is focusing on the design of small molecules that can be introduced into the charge transport layers of perovskite solar cells for improved stability and scalability.
Jenna Knudtson

Jenna Knudtson

Contact: [email protected]

Education:
2nd Year PhD Pre-Candidate in Electrical and Computer Engineering
B.S. Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2022


Research:
I research the resilience of power and water distribution systems. I currently am focused on hazard simulation, but I am interested in control and optimization of these systems for resilience, both taking into consideration and utilizing water and power system interdependencies.
Md Rafiul Abdussami

Md Rafiul Abdussami

Contact: [email protected]

Education:
2nd Year PhD Student in the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States.
M.A.Sc., Department of Energy and Nuclear Engineering, Ontario Tech University, Canada.
B.Sc., Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Islamic University of Technology (IUT), Bangladesh.


Research:
I am passionate about sustainable energy systems, nuclear policy, microgrids, energy justice, nuclear waste management, and integrated energy systems, particularly nuclear-renewable hybrid energy systems. A central focus of my current research is on coal-to-clean energy transitions, driven by the need to reduce the environmental impact of coal plants and meet global CO₂ reduction targets. This research evaluates the feasibility of converting retired coal sites into advanced nuclear facilities with renewables, investigates techno-economic aspects, and integrates local energy policies for a successful coal-to-clean energy transition.
Aviad Navon

Aviad Navon

Contact: [email protected]

Education:
Research fellow, Department of Industrial and Operations Engineering (IOE) and the School for
Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), University of Michigan
Ph.D., Electrical and Computer Engineering, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, 2023
M.A., Electrical and Computer Engineering, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, 2019
B.Sc, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, 2017

Research:
Aviad Navon is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Michigan, jointly affiliated
with the School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) and the Department of Industrial and
Operations Engineering (IOE). He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from
the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, where his research centered on renewable energy
integration and the development of modern electric grids through a game-theoretic lens. Aviad’s
work explored how decision-making processes shape the evolution of electric grids in response
to renewable energy challenges. Currently, his research focuses on the decarbonization of
electricity distribution systems, particularly in the context of deep climate uncertainty. For
instance, Aviad investigates how rising average and extreme ambient temperatures impact
investment costs and the reliability of decarbonized distribution systems. His broader research
interests include power systems, renewable energy integration, system expansion planning, and
the application of optimization and decision-making tools.
Martha Christino

Martha Christino

Contact: [email protected]

Education:
2nd Year PhD Student joint between the School for Environment and Sustainability and the Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering Department 
B.S. Civil Engineering, Pennsylvania State University
B.S. Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences, Pennsylvania State University

Research:
Martha’s research aims to merge climate and energy systems modeling techniques to produce power systems robust to climate change. Her current focus is ensuring energy security through climate resilient capacity expansion investments in the Western United States. Broadly, Martha hopes to contribute to transdisciplinary work in ensuring infrastructure resilience under changing weather conditions. 
Jo Brooks

Jo Brooks

Contact: [email protected]

Education:
4th Year PhD Candidate in Electrical and Computer Engineering 
M.S. Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Michigan, 2023


Research:
Joann is a power systems researcher with an interest in projects that focus on exploring equity issues in our current energy system and center energy justice and sustainability as part of their solutions. 

Manikandan Pandiyan

Contact: [email protected]

Education:
2nd Year PhD Candidate in Mechanical Engineering
M.S. in Engineering Education Research, University of Michigan, 2024-2026
M.S.E. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2022-2023
M.S. in Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Michigan, 2021-2023


Research:
My doctoral research focuses on converting wet organic waste, such as garden wood chips, into high-value energy products using advanced thermochemical processes. A key aspect of my work involves designing and prototyping continuous flow reactor systems. I also work with diverse biomass materials, including sewage sludge and distillery byproducts, to develop innovative solutions for efficient waste disposal, resource recovery, and sustainable management practices.