Polsky Research Fellow, 2026
Melissa Marquez is a third-year student at the College, majoring in Molecular Engineering on the Chemical Engineering track. Her research interests focus on polymer materials and their large-scale implementation in sustainable energy technologies. As a Polsky Fellow, she worked with Chibueze Amanchukwu, continuing her investigation of novel polymer electrolytes to improve ionic conductivity and oxidative stability in next-generation batteries. Over the summer, she continued working on a polymer-blend electrolyte for lithium-ion batteries. She experimented with a fluorinated and ether-oxide polymer to optimize the ionic conductivity and oxidative stability of the electrolyte. She had the opportunity to fabricate, characterize, and test this electrolyte via many technologies through the various stages.
“The opportunity to work with solid-state lithium-ion batteries helped shape my climate career by revealing exactly where my experience can make the most impact. As solid-state technology emerges with diverse and sustainable applications, it opens up vital pathways for my future. Recent conversations allowed me to explore how my skills can bridge different areas, whether that is pursuing advanced research in batteries and polymers or pivoting into climate policy. Ultimately, I am confident in my ability to drive meaningful change, regardless of the direction my career takes.”