Azam Al-Rahbi, an undergraduate in the Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) program at UCF, has been awarded the prestigious Microscopy Society of America (MSA) Undergraduate Research Scholarship for his innovative work in renewable energy. This honor highlights his commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions and underscores his exceptional potential in the field of materials science.
Azam’s research, titled Characterization of Degradation Regimes in Perovskite Solar Cells, addresses one of the key challenges in solar technology: the degradation of perovskite materials over time. As the demand for efficient and durable solar cells increases, understanding how perovskites degrade is crucial for their long-term use in sustainable energy applications. Azam’s work has the potential to significantly impact the development of solar technologies that can power the future.
Azam’s interest in materials science began at UCF, where his coursework and hands-on projects fueled his curiosity. A pivotal moment in his academic journey came when he worked on a solar cell project with Professor Gharavi. During this project, Azam discovered perovskite solar cells and was immediately captivated by their potential. Their unique properties and capacity to transform renewable energy drew him in, and since then, Azam has focused his research on this exciting area of study.
While his research is still in its early stages, receiving the MSA Undergraduate Research Scholarship has provided Azam with both the confidence and resources to push his work forward.
“The scholarship not only supports the development of my research but also proves that curiosity is worth following,” he shared.
Azam is currently in the planning phase of his project, designing experiments and employing advanced methods such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to study perovskite degradation. The scholarship has given him the opportunity to explore this critical area of study in greater depth.
Azam also acknowledges the challenges of starting his research career. As a first-time researcher, he is learning how to structure a project, plan experiments, and utilize advanced tools like TEM. However, being part of the Gharavi Lab has made the process more manageable.
“The guidance and support from the lab have made the process much more accessible,” Azam said. “They’ve helped me build a solid foundation for the work ahead.”
Being selected for the MSA Undergraduate Research Scholarship marks an important milestone in Azam’s academic journey.
Azam is proud to represent the UCF MSE program, and he is excited about the future of his research and its potential to contribute to sustainable energy solutions. With his drive and the support of his mentors, Azam is poised to make meaningful contributions to the field of materials science.
“It means a great deal to me,” he said. “It’s proof of my efforts and encourages me to continue exploring questions in materials science.”
- Written by Madelyn Sutterfield
- June 4, 2025