Group Members

Tristan completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry at Boise State University in 2018. His PhD research is focused on synthesizing and constructing nano-structured titanium oxide electrode materials for lithium ion batteries and studying the effects ion irradiation has on the crystal structure and electrochemical performance of said materials. Outside of work or studies, he enjoys spending time with his family, reading science fiction, watching TV, and playing video games.

Josh graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science in Materials Science & Engineering in 2019. His background in materials characterization and nanomaterials comes from both academic and industrial settings. He is interested in using his skills to advance alternative energy solutions. When not doing research, Josh enjoys hiking, reading, and running, as well as playing, writing, teaching, and listening to music.

Kincaid just graduated as a Bachelor from Materials Science and Engineering with an Applied Mathematic emphasis in Boise State. He started graduate studies at EEML this summer. His research focuses on the effects of dopant for sodium layered oxide materials. When not studying or at the lab, Kincaid likes to spend his time reading, painting, and walking his Schnoodle.

Cyrus graduated from California State University, Long Beach with his BS and MS in Chemistry. He then worked at AgroFresh as an Analytical and Materials Scientist for 2 years, then at Adesis as an Analytical Chemist for a year prior to joining the EEML. His research focuses on studying the effects of ion irradiation on niobium oxide nanostructures for lithium ion batteries. When he isn’t working, he enjoys traveling to different places and spending time with his family, friends, and cats.

Sarah graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Materials Science & Engineering from Boise State University in 2023. Her research focuses on athermal phase transitions in tantalum oxide and zirconia. She started graduate studies at the EEML in fall 2023, following an internship at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Outside of research and studying, Sarah enjoys reading, hiking, gardening, and writing.

Jiacheng graduated as a master student in Minerals Engineering from Central South University in 2020. He then as a research assistant came to Beijing to work at Institute of Process Engineering for two years before joining the EEML. The research he’s involved with is cathode electrode materials synthesis and processing for sodium ion batteries. When he is not studying, he enjoys riding, running, hiking and watching films.

Shinthia graduated from Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) with a Bachelor of Science in Materials Science & Engineering in 2022. Afterward, she joined the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) as a Research Assistant and then worked as an Application Engineer at the Center of Excellence & Shared Research Facilities Laboratory at KUET for nearly a year before joining the EEML. Her research focuses on the interfacial phenomena of electrode materials and electrolyte degradation in metal batteries and sodium-ion batteries. Outside of research and studies, she enjoys traveling to new places, drawing, and gardening.

Alexander Wiseman is a Senior at Renaissance High School in Meridian, ID. He has a passion for science, engineering and medicine. Alex is working in the Materials Science and Engineering Lab, where he is gaining hands-on experience. Alex is involved with the ICO Youth, where he enjoys helping to organize volunteer projects in the community. In addition to his research and studies, Alex actively participates in the RHS Academic Decathlon team, HOSA, NHD and Science bowl. Alex’s hobbies include fishing, hiking and learning new information.

Isaac Levesque is a senior at Timberline High School in Boise, Idaho, and intends to major in materials science in college next year. He joined EEML in 2025 and has has primarily been helping graduate student Kincaid with work on developing new layered oxide cathode materials, but has also started his own small project to investigate the air stability of different possible cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries. More broadly, Isaac is involved in STEM through various activities and competitions, including Science Bowl, Computer Science Club, Rocketry Club, and robotics. When Isaac wishes to relax, he’ll often go skiing, play badminton, or enjoy a good movie.

Jiawei Zhang is a junior at Timberline High School with strong interests in business, science, and education. He joined EEML in the summer of 2025 and is deeply grateful for the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while learning from mentor-like figures in the lab. Outside of research, Jiawei is actively involved in school organizations such as DECA and HOSA, and enjoys playing tennis and reading in his free time.