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Featured MSc Student

Ibrahim Shomope

Lab: Dr. Samira Siahrostami

Research: Ibrahim's research focuses on the computational modeling of lithium-mediated electrochemical ammonia synthesis (Li-MAS), a promising sustainable alternative to the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process. Working under the supervision of Dr. Samira Siahrostami in the Computational Catalysis for Clean Energy (ComCat) Lab at Simon Fraser University, Ibrahim is able to employ density functional theory (DFT) and ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations to investigate how Li surface structure governs the atomic-scale mechanism of ammonia synthesis. Specifically, Ibrahim works to establishe a facet-resolved mechanistic framework across three low-index Li surface facets, Li(100), Li(110), and Li(111), providing molecular-level insight into the thermodynamic landscape of the full Li-MAS catalytic cycle and offering a rational blueprint for next-generation electrode design.

Featured PhD Student

Tara Nazari

Lab: Dr. Zuo-Guang Ye

Research: High temperature piezoelectric and ferroelectric materials are essential for sensing and actuation in extreme environments such as aerospace, automotive electronics, and energy exploration, where conventional piezoelectric ceramics like PZT lose performance as temperature rises. Tara's research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of high temperature piezoelectric and ferroelectric single crystals and ceramics, including Bi-based systems such as BiScO₃-PbTiO₃, to address this gap.
Tara is able to synthesize both single crystals and ceramics, then study how composition, poling conditions (AC versus DC), and thermal history govern the dielectric, piezoelectric, and ferroelectric properties of these materials, using a combination of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron probe microanalysis (EMPA), polarized light microscopy (PLM), and Raman spectroscopy to probe crystal structure, composition, domain configuration, and phase transitions.