2026/2027 Energy Research Grants (Cycle 20)

Enhanced Energy Storage using Antiferroelectric Hafnia-Based Dielectrics
Principal Investigator (PI): Alexei Gruverman, Professor of Physics and Astronomy, College of Arts and Sciences
Co-PI: Xiaoshan Xu, Professor of Physics and Astronomy, College of Arts and Sciences
PI Webpage: https://gruverman.unl.edu/
Abstract: Abstract for Alexi Gruverman

Improving circularity by replacing synthetic urea with soy and corn byproducts in feedlot cattle diets
Principal Investigator (PI): Galen Erickson, Professor of Animal Science, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Co-PI: Konstantinos Giannakas, Professor of Agricultural Economics, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Co-PI: Jim MacDonald, Professor of Animal Science, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources
PI Webpage: https://animalscience.unl.edu/person/galen-erickson/
Abstract: Abstract for Galen Erickson

Materials development for combined neutron and alpha voltaics
Principal Investigator (PI): Robert Streubel, Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy, College of Arts and Sciences
Co-PI: Peter Dowben, Charles Bessey Professor of Physics and Astronomy, College of Arts and Sciences
PI Webpage:https://streubel.unl.edu/CV.html
Abstract: Abstract for Robert Streubel

Polariton-Based Optical Neural Networks Toward Next-Generation Energy-Efficient Artificial Intelligence
Principal Investigator (PI): Yanan (Laura) Wang, Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering
Co-PI: Yinsheng Guo, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences
PI Webpage: https://engineering.unl.edu/person/yanan-laura-wang/
Abstract: Abstract for Yanan (Laura) Wang

Femtosecond Laser Processing for Direct Bonding of Thermoplastics and Metals in Wind Turbines
Principal Investigator (PI): Lucia Fernandez-Ballester, Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering
Co-PI: Craig Zuhlke, Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering
PI Webpage: https://engineering.unl.edu/mme/person/lucia-fernandez-ballester/
Abstract: Abstract for Lucia Fernandez-Ballester

Natural Polymer Electrolytes for Sustainable Batteries
Principal Investigator (PI): Shudipto Konika Dishari, Ross McCollum Associate Professor, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, College of Engineering
Co-PI: Ozan Ciftci, Kenneth E. Morrison Distinguished Professor, Department of Food Science and Technology, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources; Biological Systems Engineering, College of Engineering
PI Webpage: https://engineering.unl.edu/person/shudipto-dishari/
Abstract: Abstract for Shudipto Dishari

Corrosion Behavior of Galvanized Pipes Once Lead is Eliminated
Principal Investigator (PI): Jian Wang, Professor of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering
Co-PI: Bai Cui, Professor of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering
PI Webpage: https://engineering.unl.edu/mme/person/jian-wang/
Abstract: Abstract for Jian Wang

Fabrication and Diagnostics of Fuel Targets for Laser-driven Inertial Confinement Fusion
Principal Investigator (PI): Yongfeng Lu, Lott University Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering
Co-PI: Bai Cui, Professor of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering
PI Webpage: https://engineering.unl.edu/ece/person/yongfeng-lu/
Abstract: Abstract for Yongfeng Lu