I love inorganic chemistry, electrochemistry, and exploratory synthesis. Through the
SCALAR Energy Frontier Research Center, I advance research in the field of fast-charging lithium-ion batteries. I am investigating a wide variety of transition metal oxide compounds for feasibilty as high performance electrode materials. These alternative material platforms may be advantageous with regards to material composition, materials synthesis, voltage, capacity retention, and charging rate. I use a multitude of techniques to understand and drive improvements in voltage, capacity, ionic conductivity, and electronic conductivity.
I am a California native who loves staying active, traveling, eating, and trying new things! When not in lab, find me on the soccer field, in the ocean, or using every single pot in the kitchen.
Before returning for my PhD at UCSB, I worked on bio-based and biodegradable plastics at Mango Materials and recycled enclosure materials at Apple. It seems I like companies that are named after fruits…
Kira E. Wyckoff
Materials Research Laboratory
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA 93106-5050