Adam C. Powell, IV is an Associate Professor in the Mechanical and Materials Engineering department who joined the WPI faculty in August 2018. His field is materials processing, and research focuses on validated mathematical modeling of metal process development for clean energy and energy efficiency. His research group is developing new projects whose goals are to reduce vehicle body weight, lower solar cell manufacturing cost with improved safety, reduce or eliminate environmental impact of shipping and aerospace emissions, and improve grid stability with up to 100% renewables, including negative-emissions electricity generation at high efficiency.
Office Location: Washburn Shops 310
E-mail: acpowell@wpi.edu, LinkedIn
Mohammad Asadikiya is President of SilarTek LLC, an EMRG startup working to commercialize molten salt electrolysis production of solar silicon.
He earned his doctoral degree in materials science and engineering from Florida International University (FIU) and received his M.Sc. in Corrosion and Protection of Materials from Sharif University of Technology. He spent several years in various industrial sections, mainly to control corrosion and protect different types of materials in corrosive environments. He was the manager of the R&D section in Maham Imensaz Co. until 2013, working to develop new corrosion inhibitors and scale removers. During his Ph.D. in Florida International University, Dr. Asadikiya applied the CALPHAD (Calculation of Phase Diagrams) approach and Density Functional Theory (DFT) to develop various predictive tools which are able to predict different properties of Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ), (La0.8 Sr0.2)0.98 MnO3±δ (LSM-20), and Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) as energy materials. These materials are extensively applied in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) and lithium-ion batteries. He also studied the boron carbide (B4C) sintering process to thermodynamically predict the reactions that occur during the process and determine the criteria to control the mechanical properties of the final B4C product.
Dr. Asadikiya has published more than 16 peer-reviewed journal and conference papers and presented his research over 25 times in various national and international conferences and meetings. He has also published one book chapter and holds one patent.
E-mail: masadikiya@wpi.edu
Daniel Sehar is a doctoral candidate in Materials Science and Engineering at WPI. His research, funded by the US Army Research Labs, focuses on the sustainable recycling of Magnesium (Mg) using the advanced G-METS distillation system. His responsibilities include designing, optimizing, parametrizing and analyzing high-temperature distillation experiments for AM and AZ series scrap alloys.
Daniel holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Panimalar Institute of Technology in Chennai, India. During his undergraduate studies, he conducted research on the synthesis of eco-friendly Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites. Additionally, he submitted a design proposal for a Micro-Lunar gravity spacecraft lavatory system for a prestigious NASA competition. He also completed an internship in semiconductor industry (Applied Materials), where he gained knowledge and hands-on-experience in ion implantation, thin-film deposition and characterization, pattern shaping and improving fidelity of thin films.
His extensive research interests encompass high-temperature extractive metallurgy, electrochemistry, 3D solid modeling, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and the sustainable recycling of critical raw materials (CRMs).
E-mail: dmsehar@wpi.edu, LinkedIn
Omid Mahdavi is a PhD candidate in Mechanical Engineering at WPI. He received his M.Sc. in Energy Systems Engineering from Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran, where he focused on the analysis of solid hydrogen storage system in a fuel cell hybrid vehicle. He has also contributed to various renewable energy projects such as solar, wind, biomass, etc.
His current research focuses on the chemical and mathematical modeling and simulation of a sustainable flow electrolysis process for the valorization of copper smelting by-products to produce Iron in a relatively low temperature compared to conventional methods. His contribution in this project, funded by ARPA-E, also includes techno-economic modeling, GHG emission analysis and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of the flow electrolysis system.
In addition, Omid is completing an internship at the Rist Institute for Sustainability and Energy through the Massachusetts Clean Energy and Environment Legacy Transition (CELT) program. He collaborates with municipalities in Massachusetts to support the implementation, funding and feasibility study of green energy projects such as solar, geothermal and electric vehicles and energy efficiency improvement in buildings and transportation systems.
E-mail: Omahdavi@wpi.edu, LinkedIn
Hrishikesh Nirgude is a graduate student in Materials Science and Engineering (Electives - AIML for Robotics) at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), funded by the National Science Foundation. His research focuses on developing an analytical kinetic model for ferronickel sulfidization in iron-nickel matte for battery applications for SMS GmbH. His work integrates high temperature system design and executing for reaction kinetics, thermochemical modeling, and systems-level analysis of material transformations, with an emphasis on sustainability and economic viability. Through this research, Hrishikesh has built strong competencies in high-temperature extractive metallurgy, hydro metallurgy and process modeling for clean energy materials.
Hrishikesh earned his bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the College of Engineering Pune (COEP), India, and brings four years of diverse industrial experience spanning materials engineering, product design, and program management. He began his career as an Associate Engineer at Eaton (USA based MNC), followed by a role as Senior Engineer at Tata Punch Powertrain (Belgium based MNC), and has also contributed to the Indian startup ecosystem through his work at Repos Energy and an internship at Honeywell-Garrett. His technical skillset includes 3D CAD modeling, FEA, cost modeling, and automation with Python and AI/ML for engineering applications. He is certified in ASME Y14.5 GD&T, Tolerance Stack-Up Analysis, and Design for Six Sigma Green Belt and Project Management Professional (PMP- pursuing).
E-mail: hnirgude@wpi.edu, LinkedIn
Peter Poulos is pursuing dual Mechanical Engineering and Chemical Engineering degrees at WPI. He is currently contributing as a Researcher, investigating magnesium-air battery systems to explore high-energy-density storage solutions. Core competencies include corrosion analysis, electrochemistry, and iterative prototype testing, supported by hands-on laboratory techniques and a multidisciplinary engineering foundation.
Recent work emphasizes collaborative research and experimental design to address challenges in energy storage. By partnering with cross-functional teams, the research integrates chemical and mechanical engineering insights to optimize performance and identify failure modes. It is motivated by a commitment to innovation and collaboration for work that aligns with advancing scalable and viable energy solutions.
E-mail: ptpoulos@wpi.edu
Hannah Parisella is an undergraduate student studying mechanical engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Highly motivated and eager to constantly improve, she is excited to be a part of the Energy Metals Research Group and explore her interests in thermodynamics and materials science. After graduation, she hopes to continue her education in graduate school and earn a Masters in mechanical engineering.
E-mail: hlparisella@wpi.edu
Grace is a senior at the Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science at WPI. She has experience teaching students of all ages and aspires to work in the STEM field. She is a member of the FRC team 190, and hopes to share her love of robotics and engineering with everyone around her. Grace currently teaches at a non-profit organization and interns at a magnesium distillation laboratory at WPI (EMRG). Her favorite pastime hobbies are swimming, art, and music. Grace looks forward to working with everyone!
E-mail: gqiu@wpi.edu
My name is Maria Mishechkina and I am senior at the Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science at WPI. I am currently interning with the EMRG research group at WPI working on the magnesium distillation project. One of my main passions is robotics, and I am a member of the FRC 190 team, focusing mainly on the mechanical and fabrication aspects. In the future, I aspire to go into an engineering field and continue fueling my interest in STEM. My favorite leisurely hobbies include crocheting, running, and playing the saxophone.
E-mail: mmishechkina@wpi.edu
Amy Telgerafchi is a PhD student in the department of Mechanical & Material Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). Her research interests are computational materials, Numerical modeling (CFD), Polymeric membranes, electrochemistry, quantum physics, self-assembly, clean Energy, nanomaterials, polymers, composites and very interested in smart materials for energy storage and conversion. Her PhD research is focusing on numerical modeling and experimental study for continuous gravity-driven multiple effect thermal system (G-METS) distillation of lead for use in batteries. She has studied Polymer Engineering at Islamic Azad University in Iran. She has worked on fabrication of polymeric solar thermal fuel membrane in energy storage applications.
E-mail: atelgerafchi@wpi.edu
Aditya Moudgal has a B.Eng. from PES University, Bangalore, India and an MS and PhD from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He is currently working at Idaho National Laboratory. His research interests include electrometallurgy, bulk metallic glasses, additive manufacturing
E-mail: amoudgal@wpi.edu
Chinenye Chinwego has a B.Eng. in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from University of Nigeria, Nsukka, an MS in Materials Science and Engineering from African University of Science and Technology, Abuja, Nigeria, and a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. She has worked as a quality engineer in the manufacturing/mining industry. She is President of Excava LLC, an EMRG startup company working on commercializing rare earth magnet recycling.
E-mail: cachinwego@wpi.edu
Mahya Shahabi completed her PhD in eco-friendly fuel cells and specifically Magnesium Air Fuel Cells (MAFC) with the Energy Metals Research Group. This project focused on improving the efficiency of low cost and low carbon emission MAFC. Mahya earned her M.Sc. in Bioengineering from Northeastern University (NU) and received her B.Sc. in Material Science and Engineering from Amirkabir University of Technology (AUT). She is experienced in quality control of biomedical devices, data-driven process development for Laser-Powder Bed Fusion and Wire + Arc metal additive manufacturing, statistical analysis of microstructural features, and material characterization techniques (metallography, OM, SEM, XRD, etc.). She is currently working at Solvus Global.
E-mail: mshahabi@wpi.edu
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mahya-sh
Christian Faria graduated from the International Engineering Program at the University of Rhode Island in 2014 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a B.A. in French. Since then he has worked as an engineer in the manufacturing industry and completed his M.S. in Materials Science at WPI with a focus on alloy composition and energy modeling for use in the direct carbon fuel cell project.
E-mail: cfaria@wpi.edu
Hongyi Sun is from China, where he obtained a bachelor of engineering in materials science and engineering from Northwestern Polytechnical University. He completed his M.S. in materials science and engineering at WPI. He worked on the direct carbon fuel cell project which focuses on production of a fuel cell with high efficiency, low cost and low or negative carbon emissions.
E-mail: hsun5@wpi.edu
Jake Scarponi is an Ph.D. student in Materials Science and Engineering at WPI, where he previously completed his B.S. and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Materials Engineering. His research, together with Yi Jie Wu, involved the study of a magnesium hydride-hydrocarbon slurry as a net-zero emission aerospace fuel. Also in support of this project, he conducted droplet combustion experiments in the Combustion Research Laboratory led Dr. Jagannath Jayachandran to study the combustion of this novel fuel
E-mail: jpscarponi@wpi.edu
Steven Jacek graduated from the University of Massachusetts Lowell with a B.S. in Chemical engineering, a minor in Chemistry, and a concentration in Nanomaterials Engineering, then from WPI with an M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering. His research interests include clean energy, ceramic processing, and electrochemistry.
E-mail: smjacek@wpi.edu
Yi Jie Wu is from Quincy, Massachusetts, where he obtained a high school diploma from North Quincy High School. He is currently enrolled at WPI as a undergraduate student where I will obtain a Bachelors of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering. His current research involves the study of magnesium hydride slurry as a non-emission aerospace fuel. He hopes to learn the properties of this fuel and develop a sustainable and economic method of producing it.
E-mail: ywu9@wpi.edu
Ryan Luisi was an undergraduate student in the class of 2021 who completed his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Professional Writing. He works on campus as a Peer Learning Assistant for the Intro to Manufacturing lab. He was a research assistant working with Prof. Adam Powell and Prof. Yan Wang on zero-emission iron powder production.
E-mail: ywu9@wpi.edu
Sarat Buasai was Class of 2020, and a research assistant at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He is originally from Bangkok, Thailand and completed a double Bachelor’s degrees in Chemical engineering with a concentration in Energy and Industrial engineering. His research focused on Silicon Epitaxy by Molten Salt Electrolysis, a system which aims to produce high-purity Silicon with zero greenhouse gas emission at a reduced cost of operation and energy usage.
E-mail: sbuasai@wpi.edu
Douglas Moore is from Kittery, Maine, currently enrolled as an undergraduate student in WPI's Mechanical Engineering program. He plans to graduate with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Electrical and Computer Engineering. His current interests include environmental research, sustainability projects, and power generation. He has been a Certified Solidworks Associate since 2019 and has light experience in Arduino and Python languages.
E-mail: dmmoore@wpi.edu
Alexander McMahon is from Marlborough, Massachusetts, where obtained a high school diploma and Certificate of Proficiency in Biotechnology from Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School. He completed his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Chemical Engineering at WPI with a concentration in Materials. Alexander’s research in EMRG focused on carbon-free production of solar grade silicon via molten salt electrolysis using a process similar to the Hall-Héroult process of aluminum production, and a direct carbon fuel cell for negative-emissions electricity generation.
E-mail: ajmcmahon@wpi.edu
Madison Rutherford completed her WPI B.S. degree in Environmental Engineering with minors in Materials Science and Spanish in 2022. She hails from Colorado Springs, Colorado, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Colorado, Boulder. She worked with Professor Powell on primary magnesium production using electrolysis and G-METS distillation. In addition to research, she worked on campus as a Resident Advisor and tutor for the ARC.
E-mail: marutherford@wpi.edu
Evan Costa completed his B.S. in Chemical Engineering at WPI in 2022. He enjoys woodworking, skateboarding, hiking, rock climbing, and running. He is also a first-generation college student and a first-generation citizen in his family. He has a strong passion for renewable energy and sustainability and would love to aid in it anyway he can.
E-mail: epcosta@wpi.edu