Mechanical Engineering R D

Roya Rajabi, Ph.D.

*******@*****.**.*** +1-839-***-**** LinkedIn Google Scholar

Professional Summary

Innovative materials scientist with a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and expertise in electrochemical materials design, synthesis, and characterization. Skilled in developing new materials through the sol–gel process, polymer and hydrogel systems, and linking structural and compositional properties to performance using advanced analytical and statistical tools. Experienced in experimental design, data science, and modeling, with a proven record of developing novel anode materials (FeGaNb22O58 and HfZnNb22O58) and publishing in high-impact journals. Highly motivated to contribute creative problem-solving, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and scientific rigor to DuPont’s R&D efforts addressing global challenges. Professional Experience

University of South Carolina – Columbia, SC Dec 2024 – Present Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Advanced Materials Design and Characterization

• Synthesized two novel Wadsley–Roth structured anode materials (FeGaNb22O58 and HfZnNb22O58) via the sol–gel method, optimizing phase formation and cation distribution for improved lithium diffusivity.

• Conducted detailed electrochemical testing (CV, EIS, GITT, LSV, galvanostatic cycling) to study reaction mechanisms, rate performance, and diffusion kinetics.

• Analyzed structure–property relationships through SEM, XRD, FTIR, and XPS, identifying correlations between morphology, structure, and transport behavior.

• Collaborated across disciplines to design and interpret experiments, communicate findings, and guide material optimization strategies.

University of South Carolina – Columbia, SC Aug 2019 – Dec 2024 Graduate Research Assistant – Electrochemical and Functional Materials

• Developed hydrogel and polymer electrolytes (PAM and chitosan-based) with improved ionic conductivity and interface adhesion for Zn-ion batteries.

• Investigated binder–electrolyte interactions, structure–performance correlations, and cycling stability in energy storage systems.

• Designed and implemented COMSOL Multiphysics models to simulate ionic and thermal transport phenomena.

• Conducted post-mortem characterization using SEM, XRD, XPS, and TGA to understand degradation mechanisms.

• Published multiple peer-reviewed papers and presented research at international scientific conferences.

Unilever (R&D Process Development) – Qazvin, Iran Jan 2019 – Jan 2020 Process Development Specialist

• Supported pilot-to-production transitions under GMP standards, ensuring reproducibility and quality.

Education

University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, 2024 Focus: Electrochemical Energy Materials, Sol–Gel Synthesis, and Multiphysics Modeling University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO M.S. in Building Systems Engineering, 2021 Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering, 2015 Ranked #1 University in Iran

Technical Skills

Materials Development: Sol–gel synthesis, polymer/hydrogel fabrication, phase and microstructure optimization

Characterization: SEM, XRD, XPS, FTIR, TGA/DSC, optical microscopy Electrochemical Testing: CV, EIS, GITT, LSV, galvanostatic cycling, diffusion and impedance analysis

Modeling & Data Science: Python, MATLAB, JMP (DOE, regression, ANOVA), COMSOL Multiphysics

R&D Competencies: Experimental design, project management, technical documentation, data visualization

Soft Skills: Collaborative teamwork, scientific communication, innovation, mentoring Selected Publications

Published:

• Rajabi, Roya, et al. “A New Low-Rate Stable Hydrogel Cathode for Aqueous Zn-ion Batteries.” ChemSusChem, e202501942 (2025).

• R. Rajabi, S. Sun, B. Wu, J. Khan, K. Huang, “Insights into Chemical and Electrochemical Interactions between Zn Anode and Electrolytes in Aqueous Zn–Ion Batteries,” Journal of The Electrochemical Society, 169 (11), 110536 (2022). In Preparation:

• R. Rajabi, et al. “FeGaNb22O58 and HfZnNb22O58: Novel Wadsley–Roth Structured Anodes for High-Performance Li-Ion Batteries.”

• R. Rajabi, et al. “Off-Stoichiometry Phase Nb-W-O as a Fast Charging Anode for Lithium-Ion Batteries.”

Certifications

Machine Learning with Python – IBM/Coursera

Battery Management Systems – Coursera

Process Safety Management Fundamentals – OSHA (Training Module)

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