Adversities have taught me to recognize my shortcomings, dust myself off, and to trust that, even though climbing uphill may be difficult, I'll navigate the path as it comes.”
Maryam Khalaj (she/her)
PhD Student in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Maryam Khalaj is a PhD student in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering in the McCormick School of Engineering. She is a member of the Hersam Research Group and was awarded a Hierarchical Materials Cluster Fellowship in 2023, an interdisciplinary fellowship that provides new opportunities for cross-disciplinary student research and training. She serves on the executive board of the Materials Science Umbrella Society (MSUS), which majorly focuses on the professional development of graduate students. In her research, Maryam is developing methodologies for the scalable production of nanoelectronic materials that can be formulated into printable inks.
How would you describe your research and/or work to a non-academic audience?
My research is focused on scalable and sustainable production of two dimensional (2D) nanoelectronic materials from larger, bulk crystals. I use a method called exfoliation, where we separate the layers of the crystal by breaking the bonds between them. Specifically, I employ a technique called wet jet milling. This involves using strong forces in a liquid to peel off very thin layers of material, creating sheets that are just one or a few layers thick, that possess enhanced overall properties compared to their bulk counterparts. The resulting 2D nanoelectronic materials are then formulated into printable inks and employed in a diverse range of printed applications including thin film transistors, memristors, rechargeable batteries, supercapacitors, and (bio)sensors.
Tell us what inspired your research and/or work.
The introduction of wet jet milling to the field of liquid-phase exfoliation offers a powerful pathway for mass production. The challenge of environmentally friendly mass production, and the precise tuning of their atomic-scale thickness and properties, remains largely unexplored. Inspired by this potential, I've aimed to explore and apply this technique to diverse members of 2D nanoelectronic materials. This opens up numerous opportunities for integrating them into functional printable devices from this unique family.
What is the biggest potential impact or implication of your work?
The sustainable mass production of exfoliated 2D nanoelectronic materials, with their unique properties in printable ink format, can serve as an accessible and cost-effective alternative for widely requested advanced electronic devices, moving them closer to commercialization, and addressing the ever-increasing global demand. Consequently, the widespread use of these materials in advanced printed devices can significantly enhance the quality of life for a broader range of society.
Why Northwestern?
Northwestern's Materials Science and Engineering program is one of the most renowned in the field, consistently ranked second best among U.S. national schools and in the top ten worldwide. The cutting-edge research and distinguished faculty initially caught my attention. Additionally, the diverse student body was a great relief for me as an international student. The proximity to Lake Michigan and Chicago, along with easy access to facilities and equipment, made Northwestern a clear choice for me.
How do you unwind after a long day?
Working out in any form is my go-to routine, whether it's biking around the lake, swimming, yoga, Pilates, sailing, or lifting, I enjoy it all. Music is also an inseparable part of my life, and I never miss a chance to decompress and unshackle from the cacophony of the world by immersing myself in music.
What did you originally want to be when you grew up?
Both my parents were teachers, and their library was filled with Isaac Asimov's science collection books. Even before I could read and write, around the age of 4-6, I remember losing myself in the pages of those books. The sections on the cosmos, space exploration, galaxies, and the lifecycle of stars, with their lavish illustrations, captivated me the most and sparked my dream of becoming an astronaut. I wanted to explore the world beyond Earth and see the unseen worlds. Although I've remained an avid follower of space exploration to date, my path has led me to explore another world—not so different from space, but on a much smaller scale.
What advice would you give your younger self or someone considering a similar path?
I always repeat the famous poem by Hafez, the great Persian poet: "I wish I could show you, when you are lonely or in the darkness, the astonishing light of your own being."
You might be afraid of what lies ahead, overwhelmed by numerous unknowns, walking alone in an uncharted life, feeling invisible, thinking you don't have the answers and unable to see the way. You may stand precariously on the verge of giving up, feeling stranded in an unknown world, but always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.
Tell us about a time when things did not go as you planned, what did you learn?
Setbacks can be challenging to accept, but I've learned that they are like the descent into a valley that provides a ball the momentum needed to ascend a hill. Just as downhills are a part of life, they have shaped my character to remain patient and humble. Adversities have taught me to recognize my shortcomings, dust myself off, and to trust that, even though climbing uphill may be difficult, I'll navigate the path as it comes.
What are you most proud of in your career to date?
I’m proud of my resilience and courage in venturing into a research project about which I initially had very little knowledge and background, but throughout my PhD journey, I have diligently built its foundation, brick by brick. Multitasking, and handling a variety of different collaborative projects is another aspect of my work of which I am particularly proud.
Publish Date: August 27, 2024
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