Stanford University

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Investor at Clean Energy Ventures

Clean Energy Ventures

Investor

• Establishing x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy capabilities for surface chemical analysis for a wide class of materials - polymers, alloys, thin films - for numerous applications - corrosion science, photovoltaics, batteries, metal processing
• Investigating the corrosion properties of high-strength aluminum alloys to develop a long-term model of stress corrosion cracking over decades
• Studying electrolyzer technologies for CO2 electroreduction to fuels and chemicals and water electrolysis with varied feedstocks

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Postdoctoral Researcher

• Managed laboratory safety for a research group of up to 45 researchers
• Responsibilities included developing and implementing safety policies, conducting lab safety training, and organizing safety infrastructure projects
• Facilitated communication regarding lab safety and operations between researchers, professors, Stanford Environmental Health and Safety Professionals, and city/county officials

Laboratory Safety Coordinator

Research focus: Engineering catalysts and interfaces for improved stability of photoelectrochemical water splitting systems

• Developed protective non-precious metal catalyst coatings for III-V photoelectrochemical hydrogen producing devices
• Conducted outdoor solar testing to determine the effects of environmental conditions (solar intensity, temperature, humidity) on photoelectrochemical device performance and longevity
• Analyzed structural changes during operation and degradation mechanisms of a state-of-the-art SrIrO3 oxygen evolution electrocatalyst using advanced laboratory characterization and synchrotron techniques at Stanford and multiple national laboratories
• Developed a spin coating procedure to pair silicon photoanodes with iridium oxide and strontium iridium oxide catalysts for use in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water-splitting devices
• Conducted failure analysis to identify degradation pathways via materials characterization and (photo)electrochemical testing

Thesis advisor: Prof. Thomas Jaramillo

Graduate Student Researcher

• Investigated effects of individual additives on railroad engine oil friction properties through tribometer friction testing and SEM/EDS with a goal of improving fuel economy
• Studied the impacts of aging on railroad engine oil additive performance and oil chemistry

Chevron

Professional Engineer Intern, Industrial Engine Oils Team, Chevron Oronite

• Investigated friction modifier compounds to reduce friction and improve fuel economy over oil lifetime by simulating oil aging and conducting tribology testing
• Studied the effects of engine oil on piston seals using a design of experiment matrix

Professional Engineer Intern, Automotive Engine Oils Team, Chevron Oronite

• Studied a chemical process to synthesize an additive for TDI engine lubricating oil that reduces oxidation
• Designed and carried out reactions to optimize reaction parameters to improve viability on a commercial scale. Studied process sensitivity and carried out a variety of analytical tests.

Professional Engineer Intern, Components Team, Chevron Oronite

• Built and programmed an automated system to separate carbon nanotubes by chirality, instructed ten graduate students, postdocs, and visiting scientists on how to run the separation system
• Studied the mechanism of gel-based nanotube separation by varying surfactant composition and resulting chirality 
• Designed polymer-wrapped nanotubes as selective saccharide sensors by optimizing polymer characteristics including chain length, chain-transfer agent, and monomer

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Undergraduate Researcher

Worked on separating single-wall crabon nanotubes (SWNTs) by chirality and metallic character. Made a variety of thin films for photovoltaic applications.

Micha Ben-Naim