Northwestern fosters a culture of interdisciplinary projects across various departments, which I believe is crucial for achieving groundbreaking success.”
Hiyab Mekonnen (she/her)
PhD Candidate in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Hiyab Mekonnen is a PhD candidate in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering in the McCormick School of Engineering. Her work examines how catalysts enhance reaction efficiency without being consumed by investigating their mechanisms and performance under various conditions. Hiyab is a member of the Notestein Research Group and serves on the Women in Science and Engineering Research (WISER) executive board as the events chair.
How would you describe your research and/or work to a non-academic audience?
My research focuses on investigating materials known as catalysts. I like to describe catalysts as the "wingmen" of chemical reactions—they help make the reactions happen more efficiently without being consumed themselves. I study how these catalysts work, exploring the detailed steps and conditions that allow them to facilitate reactions. This involves studying how different reaction conditions affect the catalyst's performance and understanding the underlying mechanisms that drive these changes.
What have been some of the most memorable twists and turns of your career?
I was trained as a chemist, but I decided to do a PhD in materials science and eventually joined a chemical engineering lab. Although these three fields share foundational principles, the transition was challenging and came with a steep learning curve at the beginning of my graduate studies. Despite the initial difficulties, I am grateful for making the switch, which allowed me to explore and learn a new area.
What do you find both rewarding and challenging about your research and/or work?
In chemical research, reaction mechanisms are strongly supported by empirical evidence, making them highly plausible, but they cannot be proven definitively. This flexibility keeps the field open to new discoveries, which I find very interesting but also challenging.
Why Northwestern?
I chose Northwestern primarily for its collaborative research environment. Northwestern fosters a culture of interdisciplinary projects across various departments, which I believe is crucial for achieving groundbreaking success. Additionally, the proximity to Chicago and the abundance of resources at Northwestern were significant factors that drew me in.
How do you unwind after a long day?
After a long day, I unwind by watching Black British YouTube creators like Beta Squad and Nella Rose. I love their humor and ridiculousness; it helps me disconnect from the seriousness of my research and relax.
What books are on your bedside table?
Right now, I have my Bible, a journal, a textbook on kinetics, and a novel called Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband? by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn on my bedside table.
What advice would you give your younger self or someone considering a similar path?
I have several pieces of advice, but the most important ones would be: Don't hesitate to ask—the worst that can happen is getting a "no.” And be resilient, as setbacks are part of the journey.
Publish Date: August 6, 2024
If you know a graduate student, postdoctoral scholar, graduate faculty member, staff member, or a member of our TGS alumni population who would make a great candidate for our TGS Spotlight Series, please complete this brief TGS Spotlight Series Nomination Form.