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Transport Properties of Renewable Energy Materials:

We study the materials used in organic conducting polymer photovoltaic (PV) cells, similar to those materials currently found in OLED displays, and focus on techniques to improve the efficiencies of the PV cells by altering the materials used.  Our current research has focused on the fundamental electrical transport properties in conducting polymers tuned close to the Metal Insulator Transition (MIT) where we have found many universal properties as compared to traditional semiconductors, like silicon. Another project focused on using oriented carbon nanotubes embedded in the active region of a polymer PV device, and quantify any changes in the transport properties of oriented, spun-cast embedded nanowires polymer films.  

Social Impact Solar (SIS) - The Solar Suitcase Program

I am co-director of the Social Impact Solar Program (SIS) along with my colleague Dr. Karina Garbesi, Professor and Director of Environmental Studies.  The program centers around a course piloted during the 2015-16 academic year, and co-taught by Dr. Garbesi and myself annually, where students learn basic STEM concepts associated with solar technology as well as the social justice and environmental justice implications that solar technology can have on the society.  Students in our CSUEB class assemble a working off-grid solar energy system, i.e., the Solar Suitcase, developed by our partner non-profit We Share Solar.  These suitcases are then donated and delivered to energy poor regions of the world, including orphanages, medical clinics and schools in sub-Saharan Africa where energy poverty is a life-threatening issue.  Our CSUEB program includes having our own university students mentor middle and high school students in local Hayward schools when they too learn about solar technology in their classrooms by building solar suitcases as well.  We have found that our students serve as ambassadors and role models while participating in this service learning opportunity.  SInce 2016 we have coordinated the expansion of the Solar Suitcase program to partnering CSU and community college campuses, e.g., SF State, Sacramento State, Cal Poly SLO, CSU Stanislaus, Humboldt State, CSUMB and Contra Costa College.