Graduating applied physical sciences doctoral student Mengru Wang researches perovskite solar cells and has a passion for clean energy.
Materials science Ph.D. student Mengru Wang is interested in solar energy.
In particular, she hopes to discover why perovskite solar cells — a high-performance solar cell used to make some solar panels — degrade over their lifespan. Her ultimate goal is to help the cells last for 25 years or longer.
“The drive to protect the environment significantly fuels my research motivation,” said Wang. “By optimizing the utilization of solar energy, we can significantly decrease our reliance on fossil fuels, thereby reducing CO2 emissions.”
She was drawn to UNC’s applied physical sciences department to study solar energy because of the research of her advisor, Jinsong Huang, Louis D. Rubin Jr. Distinguished Professor and expert in perovskite solar cells.
“I wanted to join his lab after reading his research papers,” shared Wang, who moved to Chapel Hill from Henan province, China, and received her B.S. and M.S. in materials science from University of Science and Technology Beijing.
“Then, I heard about North Carolina, a beautiful and warm place to live, which made me more eager to join the department.”
In her program, Wang says that her advisor, lab colleagues and roommates have supported her “in the lab and in life.”
Outside her studies, she has taken up playing badminton with friends and loves to sing.
“Singing, particularly songs brimming with raw emotions, acts as a powerful outlet for me to express and alleviate my stress. It’s a solitary pursuit that allows me to connect deeply with my inner self.”
When she thinks about her all-time favorite UNC memory, watching a football game from the student section at Kenan Stadium comes to mind.
“Even when it started raining during the match, neither the athletes nor the fans lost their enthusiasm and energy,” she said.
After graduating this May, Wang hopes to continue in academics as a postdoctoral researcher before working in the clean energy industry.
“Through these experiences, I hope to discover the path that best aligns with my interests and skills,” she said.
By Jess Abel ’19
This story was originally written as part of our series, College Up Close.