Research at the intersection of fundamentals and application
Engineering electrochemical, internal transport, and product systems
Drake Research brings together electrochemical engineering, transport phenomena, and product-focused design to study how energy and chemical systems perform across a range of operating conditions. Our interests include lithium-ion and alkaline batteries, fuel cells, electrolyzers, and components involving transport-coupled multiphysics. We aim to translate fundamental insight into useful technology. Through research and teaching, we connect fundamental chemical engineering to real-world systems, with attention to rate capability, efficiency, mass and thermal transport, manufacturability, and user adoption.
How We Work
Multiple ways of understanding and testing an idea
Continuum modeling and simulation
Use conservation laws, porous-electrode theory, dimensional analysis, and focused simulations to identify dominant phenomena and limiting rates.
Minimum viable prototypes and experiments
Build intentionally scoped proof-of-concept experiments that test select important predictions to provide a foundation for more elaborate experimentation and scale-up.
Multifaceted teaching and mentoring
Connect theory, visual explanation, simulation, hands-on work, written documentation, and oral communication to support different ways of learning.
Culture and Values
Rigorous work in a healthy research environment
Drake Research values integrity, clear communication, cultural curiosity and respect, acknowledgment of others’ contributions, and ongoing growth. We aim to create an environment where each project is sized to its purpose, and mentoring develops students as researchers, collaborators, and communicators.