Voja’s research interests are energy conversion and storage, surface modifications, thin films, nanoscale synthesis, electrochemical interfaces, fuel cells, electrolyzers and batteries. In his free time he enjoys spear fishing and off-road longboarding.
Dominik Haering
Chief Engineer
Dominik is from Germany, and received his PhD in physical chemistry at the Technical University of Munich, after which he went to Argonne National Laboratory. He has experience in Li-Ion battery material research, gas analysis of electrochemical systems and fundamental studies of organic electrolytes, as well as broad experience of Li-Ion battery testing for electrical performance and abuse. He likes the grand canyon.
Minki Jun
Post Doctoral Scholar
Email: minkij2@uci.edu
Minki received his Ph.D. degree in inorganic chemistry from Korea University (in South Korea). He joined Prof. Stamenkovic’s group after a year of postdoctoral research in the Hydrogen∙Fuel Cell Research Center at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST). His research interests include developing nanomaterials as catalysts for energy conversion and synthesizing nanoparticles in microfluidic systems. When he is not doing research, he loves to travel and watch baseball.
Alasdair is a fourth year PhD student in Prof Stamenkovic’s group with research interests primarily in the evaluation of electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. Prior to joining UCI, Alasdair completed his undergraduate degree at Edinburgh University in Scotland, before spending two years in the design of hydrogen refuelling systems. Outside the lab, Alasdair enjoys being in the mountains, surfing and watching Blackburn Rovers FC.
Chaewon is the first PhD student in professor Stamenkovic’s group and has a background in electrochemistry and inorganic material synthesis for energy applications including batteries, electrolyzers, and fuel cells, which he studied during his undergraduate and master’s degree at Inha University in South Korea. His current research focus is on developing electrocatalysts for PEMFCs, with a specific emphasis on ORR catalysts. Outside of his studies, Chaewon enjoys cooking, playing tennis and surfing, a new hobby he picked up after coming to Irvine. However, he hates hiking, and likes the quokka, with which he is pictured above.
Ben Ransom
PhD Student
Ben is a fourth year PhD student working with Professor Stamenkovic to characterize single crystal catalysts for the oxygen reduction. His interests include hiking, camping, biking, and surfing. He is originally from Fredericksburg, VA, received his undergraduate degree at BYU in Utah and just loves the adrenaline.
Filip received his undergraduate degree here at UCI in 2023. He specializes in nanoparticle characterization, using ICP-MS, RDE, and XRF. Filip enjoys reading and visiting local restaurants. He is also a DJ at KUCI. He started his PhD in the Stamenkovic Group in Fall 2024.
Ethan Schoettler is a senior undergraduate student majoring in chemical engineering with a specialization in macromolecular engineering. Ethan is currently assisting the lab with the characterization of thin film and ink catalysts and is interested in eventually working with oxygen evolution reactions. His hobbies include astronomy, long-distance running, and hiking.
Hailey Gomberg is a first year undergraduate student majoring in chemical engineering. She is currently assisting the lab with the characterization and evaluation of catalyst materials, specializing in RDE. Hailey enjoys spending time with her family, cats, traveling, and hanging out with other lab members. She is from Culver City, CA.
Varun is a Energy Systems Masters Engineering student working with Dr. Haering on battery pack and module development. Varun specializes in script automation and battery data analysis/testing. Varun received his undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering at UCI in 2024. Outside the lab, he plays on the UCI Ice Hockey Team, as well as watching Manchester United games and playing video games.