Yamini Kumaran, a Research Assistant at SUNY Poly working with Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering Technology Dr. Iulian Gherasoiu, and doctoral student at the University at Albany, was recently honored with the Magnitude Award for Best Talk at the 247th Electrochemical Society (ECS) Meeting held in May in Montreal, Canada.

Her award-winning presentation showcased a novel photoelectrochemical cell concept that utilizes solar energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, an innovative step toward a clean, hydrogen-based energy future. The device integrates a NiFe catalyst, cost-effective silicon for solar absorption, and a carbon-based protective film, resulting in improved efficiency and durability in water splitting performance.