Xiaotu Ma
Why did you select WPI to pursue your PhD?
WPI is one of the nation’s first engineering and technology universities and it is one of the most prestigious universities in the world. With its distinguished faculty, excellent at both teaching and research, I am sure that the PhD program in Materials Science and Engineering at WPI can help me realize my dreams. Especially Professor Yan Wang’s project really fits my interests in the Li-ion battery. In addition, as the project is involved in industries, it would be helpful on realizing additional value in the marketplace upon graduating.
What differentiates your program from others that you may have looked at while deciding on which schools to apply to?
The main reason is that my program involves in industrial application. I think science should promote the progress of the society as it is not only about academic research but also relating to real-life application. Therefore, I decided to pursue my PhD here.
What has your experience been like working with Battery Resourcers (BRs)?
From a work perspective, I am responsible for doing tests for BRs. And in the future, I am hoping to do some synthesis in BRs. From a research perspective, we meet every week to do some brainstorm for the sake of discussing the difficulties we have been facing and how to solve them. From these experiences, I have learned that how the research works in the industry and how to think as a researcher working in the industry.
Could you describe the research/work you are doing – in brief and what impact you hope to have?
Recently, advances in lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries have been significant such that they have become the most popular power source for portable electronics equipment, and are also growing in popularity for military, electric vehicle, and aerospace applications. Continuing development of personnel electronics, hybrid and electric vehicles, ensures that Li-ion batteries will continue to be increasingly in demand. Thus, we think we can recycle the spent Li-ion batteries to protect the environment and reduce the cost of the Li-ion batteries, which is beneficial to all.