Soma Ahmadi

Interdisciplinary researcher with dual PhD training spanning Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and Electrical Engineering, specializing in electrochemical energy systems and ion transport in battery materials. Brings deep expertise in polymer electrolytes, lithium-ion and solid-state batteries, and structure–property relationships, with a strong ability to bridge advanced experimental characterization and physics-based modeling. Experienced in integrating multiphysics simulations (COMSOL, MATLAB), rigorous electrochemical analysis, and materials design to uncover transport mechanisms and address performance-limiting challenges, including ionic conductivity, fast charging, and interfacial stability.

Demonstrated impact through microstructure-engineered electrodes and nanostructured electrolyte systems, with work spanning multiple length scales from molecular dynamics to device-level behavior. Author of peer-reviewed publications in Macromolecules, AIChE Journal, Electrochimica Acta, Advanced Energy & Sustainability Research, Springer Nature, and Nature Materials. Current research focuses on polymer dynamics, nanoconfined electrolytes, and electrochemical transport phenomena.

Expected to graduate by September 2026; U.S. green card holder and authorized to work without visa sponsorship.

Graduate Research Assistant at Western Michigan University (2020-01 – 2022-12)

• Developed and experimentally validated 3D electrochemical transport models (COMSOL Multiphysics) to quantify the impact of electrode and separator microstructure on fast-charging performance and lithium plating risk, enabling predictive understanding of transport limitations in lithium-ion batteries. Established structure–performance relationships linking electrode architecture to ion transport, capacity retention, and degradation mechanisms under high-rate charging conditions. Designed controlled experimental studies to decouple the effects of porosity, tortuosity, and particle-size distribution on electrochemical performance, providing guidelines for electrode design optimization.
• Designed and fabricated microstructure-graded graphite electrodes with either controlled porosity gradient (24-46%) or particle-size gradients (3-10 μm), demonstrating enhanced lithium-ion transport and improved fast-charging capability. Conducted systematic electrochemical testing (rate capability, cycling performance) and materials characterization to evaluate cell performance under fast-charging regimes.
• Engineered screen-printed and laser-patterned electrode architectures to improve ionic transport pathways and reduce transport limitations in thick electrodes.
• Recipient of Outstanding Student Paper Award (IEEE FLEPS 2022); first-author publications in Advanced Energy & Sustainability Research and SN Applied Sciences.
• Research supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), EERE Advanced Manufacturing Office (DE-EE0009111)

Graduate Research Assistant at Michigan State University (2023-01 – Present)

Expected Graduation: September 2026

• Elucidated ion transport mechanisms in polyether-based solid polymer electrolytes (PBO, PPO, PECH) by integrating X-ray scattering, broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS), rheology, and DSC, revealing how ion solvation structures and polymer polarity govern glass transition and ionic conductivity.
• Identified and quantified salt-induced structural heterogeneity and ion–polymer interactions, demonstrating the role of intrachain vs. interchain ion coordination in controlling segmental dynamics and transport limitations in lithium-based electrolytes. Performed advanced multimodal characterization (BDS, SAXS/WAXS, DOSY NMR, DSC, rheology) to correlate nanoscale structure, polymer dynamics, and electrochemical performance, enabling mechanistic understanding of transport in polymer electrolytes.
• Designed and investigated PDMS-b-PEO block copolymer electrolytes, establishing a soft nanoconfinement mechanism that preserves polymer mobility at high salt loading and delays the conductivity–diffusivity trade-off in solid electrolytes. Demonstrated that dynamic facilitation at PDMS/PEO interfaces enhances segmental mobility and lithium-ion transport, leading to improved ionic conductivity and cation transport efficiency in high-salt regimes
• Designed and executed systematic composition–structure–property studies across multiple salts (LiTFSI, NaTFSI, Mg(TFSI)₂, Zn(TFSI)₂), establishing general design principles for high-performance solid polymer electrolytes.
• Co-inventor on a U.S. patent and first-author publications in Macromolecules Journal

Ph.D. Candidate in Chemical Engineering and Materials Science – Michigan State University (2023-01 – 2026-09)

Ph.D. Coursework Completed in Electrical & Computer Engineering – Western Michigan University (2020-01 – 2022-12)

M.S. in Electrical and Electronic Engineering – IUST (2014-01 – 2017-12)

B.S. in Electrical Engineering – UoK (2010-01 – 2014-12)