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Explore Energy is a cross-campus effort of the Precourt Institute for Energy.

Research Projects

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2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017

2024 Projects

  • At the start of the summer, Nomin-Erden Bayarsaikhan aimed to investigate how accurately emission factors reflect changes in emissions and damage factors under various assumptions. Her goal was to contribute to a better understanding of the potential impacts of renewable energy initiatives on reducing harmful emissions. Over the course of the summer, Nomin-Erden applied linear regression analysis on emissions and generation data, developing an open-source codebase that integrates public data from the Public Utility Data Liberation Project. This work provided crucial insights into the trends of both average and marginal emissions factors, offering a valuable tool for researchers and policymakers to track the environmental impacts of energy interventions. Through her research, Nomin-Erden significantly advanced our understanding of how different strategies influence emissions, contributing to more informed decision-making in the energy sector.
  • Joshua Koch began the summer eager to combine his interests in both the social and hard science aspects of climate change, aiming to contribute to the development of climate solutions and strategies for broad public adoption. Working with Professor Jon Krosnick and the Political Psychology Research Group (PPRG), Joshua focused on analyzing public polling data to better understand how people perceive climate change and what shapes their views. His research compared public opinion questions from PPRG and Yale, investigating how subtle changes in wording, such as “climate change” vs. “global warming,” influence survey results. By identifying specific question variations that affect public opinion, Joshua’s work provides valuable insights for both current survey analysis and future survey design. His findings help clarify public perspectives on climate change, which could inform more effective communication strategies and policy development moving forward.
  • At the start of the summer, Jordan Stock set out to explore her passion for climate change mitigation and environmental policy by analyzing U.S. public opinion polls on climate change. Working with Professor Krosnick and the Political Psychology Research Group (PPRG), she investigated how subtle differences in question wording and answer choices can lead to varying survey results. Through this research, Jordan contributed to a study that tests these wording variations and examines how they influence public responses to climate change questions. Additionally, she worked on a soon-to-be-released website that breaks down survey question comparisons across multiple organizations. Her efforts aim to improve the accuracy of public opinion surveys and provide valuable insights for policymakers, aligning survey results more closely with the desires of the American public. Jordan’s work this summer brings her closer to her goal of pursuing a career in environmental law, where she hopes to make a meaningful impact on climate policy.
  • At the beginning of the summer, Zach Green aimed to combine his passion for sustainability with his Mechanical Engineering studies by developing computational models to advance plasma applications, particularly in agriculture. Working in the Plasma Dynamics Modeling Laboratory (PDML) under Professor Ken Hara, Zach focused on exploring plasma-activated water, a promising innovation for decarbonizing agriculture. His research involved creating Monte Carlo simulations to model the complex behavior of plasma particles. These simulations offer insights into the physical properties of plasma, which is critical for understanding its potential as a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers. Zach’s work contributes to ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the agriculture sector, offering a novel approach that could revolutionize plant growth and farming practices.
  • Kae Heller began the summer eager to explore their interest in nonlinear dynamics and mathematical physics by modeling the behavior of plasma particles in Hall thrusters. Working with Professor Ken Hara and Andrew Denig, Kae focused on understanding the origins of plasma turbulence to improve the efficiency of these thrusters. Throughout the summer, Kae developed two computational models to study stochastic heating behavior, which affects the energy gain or loss of electrons and contributes to inefficiencies in Hall thrusters. Their research demonstrated higher-than-expected energy gains under certain plasma conditions, providing new insights that challenge existing models. Additionally, Kae verified stochastic heating in the Fermi-Ulam model, identifying parallels that could advance the study of plasma behavior in future work. Their findings contribute to the potential improvement of Hall thruster efficiency, an important development for space propulsion technologies.
  • Samuel Desai set out this summer to explore the potential of Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) by creating 3D maps and Story Maps using ArcGIS to analyze subsurface storage locations in California’s San Joaquin and Sacramento basins. His project aimed to provide stakeholders with clear, accessible data while incorporating diverse perspectives into a comprehensive analysis. Over the course of the summer, Samuel developed an ArcGIS Story Map and data dashboard to address knowledge gaps surrounding CCS, particularly for under-informed communities and policymakers. Through consultations with environmental justice organizations and CCS experts, Samuel gained insights into the benefits and risks of CCS deployment in California. His work promotes transparency, ensuring that communities can better understand and advocate for the benefits of CCS, contributing to California’s efforts to reach its 2045 carbon neutrality goal.
  • Rudraksh Mohapatra spent the summer combining his passion for machine learning and geospatial systems with his interest in sustainability. Working with Professor Anthony Kovscek, Rudraksh aimed to optimize the location of potential sites for subsurface energy and storage technologies, which are crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in California. Using data-driven approaches like geospatial algorithms and machine-learning models, Rudraksh developed methods to quantitatively rank storage sites based on factors such as proximity to faults, pipelines, and power plants, as well as seismic activity and CO₂ intensity. His work also included analyzing exclusion zones to ensure equitable and efficient site selection. Rudraksh’s project contributes to the broader effort of optimizing carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies, supporting California's emissions reduction goals while promoting sustainable development.
  • Tyler Tam started the summer eager to explore sustainable technologies in the life sciences, focusing on developing environmentally-friendly sunscreens. Working with Professor Reinhold Dauskardt and PhD candidate Ashley David, Tyler researched sunscreens made from natural resources that prevent UV-induced skin damage without the harmful environmental impact of conventional sunscreens. His work focused on the use of UV-inhibiting bacteriophages and sustainable polymers, examining their effects on the biomechanical properties of the skin’s outermost layer. By measuring changes in skin stress before and after treatment, Tyler found that bacteriophages could reduce UV-related damage, while polymers enhanced the effectiveness of moisturizing formulations. This research advances the development of sustainable, natural sunscreens, with the potential to protect both human skin and the environment.
  • James Pullinger spent the summer working with the Dauskardt group to advance the development of hybrid organic-inorganic halide perovskites, a promising alternative to silicon-based solar cells. His research focused on optimizing the encapsulation process to improve the stability of perovskite solar cells, which are known for their efficiency but face challenges due to degradation from heat, oxygen, and moisture exposure. Through a series of experiments, James tested various encapsulation conditions, including temperature, pressure, and time, to determine their impact on the performance and longevity of the devices. His work identified optimal conditions for encapsulation and provided insights into the limitations of different polymers used as protective barriers. These findings contribute to ongoing efforts to make perovskite solar cells a viable, low-cost alternative to traditional silicon cells, supporting the growing demand for affordable solar energy solutions.
  • Juan Bautista Romaniuk's passion for sustainable transportation led him to work on optimizing the Stanford Marguerite Shuttle's fully electric fleet this summer. Focused on creating a 24/7 carbon-free shuttle system, Juan’s research aimed to maximize the use of solar energy and reduce reliance on grid electricity from natural gas. His contributions involved enhancing the charging optimization model to align the shuttle's energy consumption with Stanford’s renewable resources. Juan developed an automated charging schedule that reduced emissions by 64.2%, while ensuring feasibility for real-life bus operations. Additionally, he created an interactive database to track and analyze charger reliability, uncovering critical areas for infrastructure improvements. His work supports the ongoing effort to make Stanford’s shuttle system a model of sustainable transit, aligning with broader goals of developing carbon-free public transportation systems.
  • This summer, Caraíosa O'Farrell focused on tackling one of the key challenges facing Floating Offshore Wind Turbines (FOWTs): the failure of mooring systems due to marine growth (MG). Using turbine HS04 of Hywind Scotland as a reference, Caraíosa explored how MG—unwanted organisms attaching to underwater structures—impacts the tension and dynamics of mooring lines, a crucial factor in ensuring the stability and longevity of FOWTs. Through simulations using OpenFAST and MoorDyn, she analyzed the effects of varying levels of biofouling under both normal and storm conditions. Her research revealed how MG affects the performance of mooring systems, providing valuable insights into designing more resilient mooring systems for future offshore wind projects. Caraíosa’s work contributes to the broader effort of advancing the commercialization of FOWTs, a vital technology in the global transition to green energy.
  • This summer, Roya Meykadeh applied her passion for green energy and sustainability to a groundbreaking project that addresses the global challenge of energy access. Collaborating with the US Army Corps of Engineers and LBNL, Roya worked on developing an isolated, transportable microgrid capable of generating 100% clean solar energy, purifying water, and supporting food production. Her research focused on optimizing models to forecast energy load requirements for a mobile shelter and designing an energy-efficient greenhouse powered by the microgrid. Using machine learning and optimization algorithms, Roya’s models dynamically adjusted to weather conditions and resource availability, offering a blueprint for microgrids that could benefit both developing communities and US military bases. Her work this summer highlights the potential of renewable energy solutions to address the energy poverty crisis while promoting sustainable, self-sufficient systems.
  • This summer, Haley Solis explored innovative climate solutions by researching biophotovoltaics (BPV) and kleptoplasty. Her work focused on addressing the challenges of conventional solar technologies, which rely on finite resources and cannot meet the growing global energy demand. Haley’s project aimed to improve BPV technology by using isolated chloroplasts—photosynthetic drivers of electricity production—as an alternative to whole algal cells. Through her experiments, Haley constructed bio-"bottle"-voltaic devices to compare the energy efficiency and longevity of isolated chloroplasts versus intact algal cells. Her findings suggest that isolated chloroplasts may enhance the efficiency of BPV cells, offering a promising path for future renewable energy technologies inspired by the biochemical mechanisms of kleptoplasty in sea slugs. Haley’s research contributes to the ongoing effort to develop sustainable, resource-efficient solutions for the clean energy transition.
  • Eva Geierstanger spent her summer combining her background in computer science and chemistry with her passion for climate technology to explore solutions for carbon dioxide removal (CDR). Recognizing the urgent need for CDR in sectors where reducing fossil fuel use is challenging, Eva focused on analyzing four different CDR technologies: Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW), Biomass Carbon Removal and Storage (BiCRS), Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS), and Direct Air Capture (DAC). Her research aimed to develop a decision-making tool for investors and companies to compare the techno-economic performance of these technologies. By aggregating data and calculating life-cycle costs, Eva’s project will help stakeholders make informed choices about carbon offset strategies. While her work is in the early stages, she has already built a comprehensive database and laid the groundwork for further analysis, contributing to the advancement of climate technology solutions.

2023 projects included:

  • Designing a Fixture for Precise, Local Electrochemistry on Strained Thin-Film Membranes
  • A GIS-based Multicriteria Decision Analysis Tool for Siting Utility-Scale Solar in the Navajo Nation
  • Energy Security in China and Taiwan
  • Using Pressure to Design Better Materials for Energy Applications
  • State estimation techniques of plasma chemistry for semiconductor manufacturing
  • Mitigation of Climate Change Driven Evaporation and Water Temperature Responses Using Aluminum Reflectors
  • Creating Data Stories for a Sustainable Future: From Personal to Global
  • Effect of Optical and Thermal Properties of Heterolayer Stacks on the Performance of Flash-Annealed Ferroelectric Memories for Energy-Efficient Computing
  • Screening for Geological Storage Sites for CCS
  • Public Opinion on Climate Change

2022 projects included:

2021 projects included:

  • Understanding the ecosystem of U.S. public opinion polls that have questions related to global warming/climate change
  • Build out an energy usage program for high school students to better understand how students interact with data science techniques and implement an energy change program
  • Pathways to Carbon Neutrality project looking at ways to effectively achieve net-zero carbon emissions in California
  • Investigating collecting environmental literacy
  • Developing roadmaps to 100% renewable energy profiles for 140 countries worldwide
  • Case study of nations that have implemented carbon tax policies and analyze the effects of those policies
  • Understand the mechanisms of hydrogen embrittlement in structural steel in order to aid the transformation of existing gas infrastructure to hydrogen-compatible systems
  • Creating an online youth education program that teaches middle school-aged students how to visualize and interpret their household energy consumption data and drive behavior change to decrease electricity usage

2020 projects included:

  • Analyzing the potential for heat capture from Stanford's own SESI and its cooling system
  • Collective Environmental Literacy
  • Improving drying methods of chili peppers in order to reduce energy required for storage
  • Developing a low-cost, energy-efficient greenhouse in India for alternately growing and drying chilis
  • Quantifying methane emissions from residential natural gas-fired appliances
  • Examining the current and projected future energy demand among all energy sectors for dozens of cities worldwide
  • Valuing America’s Natural Resources Using the Contingent Valuation Methodology
  • Long-term predictions of renewable energy integration in the grid, using the Regional Energy Deployment System (ReEDS) model
  • Uncertainty characterization of high bioenergy deployment scenarios in GCAM, one of the major integrated assessment models
  • Modeling the integration of renewable energy and storage
  • Valuation model for battery electric vehicle batteries for a second-life stationary storage applications
  • ​Apply advanced diagnostics and uncertainty methods to popular integrated assessment models
  • Bringing methane pyrolysis, a low emissions hydrogen production method, from a technical to a market stage
  • Direct conversion of methane to methanol through photocatalysis

2019 projects included:

  • Synthesis, characterization, and catalytic testing of nano-structured materials for hydrogen production through photocatalysis
  • Optimizing the electric grid and adapting it to the rise of electric vehicles and photovoltaic panels
  • Developing polymers as solid electrolytes in lithium-metal batteries
  • Developing organic stretchable batteries for energy storage applications ranging from wearable electronics to implantable devices
  • Probing material conductivity with software defined radio
  • Examining trends in Rural Income Generating Activities (RIGAs) in India post electrification
  • Driving into a Clean Energy Future with Electric Buses
  • Developing a Low-Cost Greenhouse for Emerging Economies
  • Developing Data-Driven Models for the Thermal Dynamics of Livestock Barns in California Dairy Farms
  • Understanding Pro-Environmental Behavior Preferences
  • Examining consumer energy usage behavior change through youth education
  • Examining bimetallic heterogeneous catalysts for propane combustion
  • Developing an automated quality metric for inductive components used in wireless charging
  • Developing duty cycles for grid-scale applications of lithium-ion batteries

2018 projects included:

  • Examining Digestibility of Phosphoethanolamine Cellulose for Cellulosic Ethanol
  • Low Cost, Clean Energy Produce Dryer for Use in Rural Indian Farming Communities
  • Synthesis of Colloidal Silver Nanoparticles and Their Catalytic Potential in the Conversion of Propylene to Propylene Oxide
  • Designing the Know Your Energy Numbers Program
  • Watching the Flag: Training a Neural Network to Predict Wind Speeds
  • Global Warming Survey Methodology
  • Unlocking Google’s Street-level Visual Data
  • Detecting Natural Gas Leaks in Bay Area Homes and Quantifying Leakage From Natural Gas Water Heaters
  • Fabricating Stretchable Batteries Using Ion-Conducting Elastomers (ICE)
  • Limiting Voltage Violations in an Electrical Network with Distributed Energy Resources

2017 projects included:

  • Mobile Game Design for Youth Energy Behavior Change
  • A Post-Mortem Investigation of Degradation Mechanisms in Li-Ion Battery Fast Charging
  • The Role of Emotional Affect in Energy Decision-Making: A Comparison of Neural and Social Networks
  • Feasibility Studies on Direct Use of Coproduced Fluids in the Los Angeles Basin
  • Using Colloidal Bimetallic Synthesis to Improve Platinum-Based Catalysts for Propene Combustion
  • Mapping American Attitudes on Climate Change
  • Metal-Interlayer Contacts for Carrier-Selective Thin-Film Silicon Solar Cells
  • Roadmaps to Convert U.S. Cities to Wind, Water, and Sunlight (WWS) for All Purposes
  • Development of Acid Gas Removal Energy Predictor in OPGEE
  • Ionically Conductive Mixed-Matrix Membranes Synthesized Via In-Situ Polymerization