Lauren Garten, an assistant professor in the School of Materials Science and Engineering, will use the award to investigate how asymmetric, or polar, materials can separate photo-generated charge for energy applications. The research could provide fundamental insights for developing new energy-harvesting and sensing technologies.

The award will also support Lauren Garten’s educational outreach, including virtual reality experiences designed to give the public an immersive look at how researchers synthesize materials, take electrical measurements, and build devices.

Read the full story by the School of Materials Science and Engineering.