Dr. Nelson Dzade Receives DOE Early Career Research Award for Energy Innovation and African Collaboration
The Alliance for Education, Science, Engineering, and Design with Africa (AESEDA) proudly celebrates Dr. Nelson Y. Dzade, co-director of AESEDA, assistant professor of energy and mineral engineering, and chair of the energy engineering program in the John and Willie Family Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering at Penn State, for being awarded the 2024 Early Career Research Award from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The five-year, $875,000 funding supports his pioneering research on scalable thin-film solar cell applications and underscores his leadership in interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement with Africa.
Dr. Dzade’s work embodies AESEDA’s mission of fostering interdisciplinary partnerships and addressing challenges on the African continent. His research is tailored to solving specific problems in Africa, and he has outlined plans to hire PhD students from leading African universities and institutions. By building new research collaborations and strengthening existing partnerships, Dr. Dzade aims to advance energy research and education across Africa. He has also expressed a strong commitment to engaging with African colleagues in the solar energy field to encourage innovation and capacity building, strengthening ties between African researchers and the global scientific community.
Dr. Nelson Dzade at Mintek Conference | Source: Dr. Dzade’s Personal Website
Dr. Dzade’s DOE-funded project, Multiscale Modeling of Heteroepitaxial Interfaces for Scalable Thin-Film Solar Cell Applications, focuses on understanding the complex atomic-scale dynamics of thin-film solar cell interfaces. This research combines advanced computational modeling and experimental approaches to optimize solar cell performance and stability. His research work also explores developing novel cost-effective electrocatalysts to efficiently convert carbon dioxide into useful chemicals and fuels, aligning with global sustainability goals and the principles of a circular economy. Through this research, he is addressing some of the most critical challenges in renewable energy, advancing the understanding of material properties that underpin energy conversion and storage technologies.
A key aspect of Dr. Dzade’s work is his dedication to mentorship and education. He actively encourages young researchers, particularly from underrepresented groups and African institutions, to explore opportunities in energy engineering and sustainable technologies. By integrating emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and machine learning into his work, he demonstrates the value of cutting-edge approaches in addressing global energy challenges.
As co-director of AESEDA, Dr. Dzade is deeply involved in initiatives that enhance Africa’s research and training capacity. His leadership in launching platforms like the Africa Network of Computational Materials Scholars (AFRINETCOMS) fosters collaboration, knowledge sharing, and mentorship among African and international researchers. Dr. Dzade’s career, which includes research roles in the United Kingdom, Europe, and Africa and a deep commitment to global collaboration, reflects a unique blend of expertise and dedication. His work exemplifies AESEDA’s vision of empowering Africa’s rise through innovation and sustainable growth.
Dr. Dzade’s recognition by the DOE highlights his contributions to advancing renewable energy and underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in tackling global challenges. His work not only strengthens ties between Africa and the global research community but also inspires future generations of scientists to pursue impactful careers in sustainable energy.
AESEDA is proud to honor Dr. Dzade’s achievements and looks forward to the continued impact of his work on energy innovation and African development.