University of Cincinnati PhD candidate Katherine Schlaak is not just pushing boundaries in the academic sphere; she's contributing to the vital field of renewable energy with research on thermoelectric materials. Schlaak, who also completed her bachelor's in physics and a master's in materials science at UC, is on the quest to improve ways to convert waste heat back into usable electricity. Recognizing her commitment to this innovative work, the College of Engineering and Applied Science at UC honored her as Graduate Student Engineer of the Month, as the University of Cincinnati reported.
Exploring an untapped potential in a field ripe with challenges, Schlaak seeks to understand better the elusive traits of thermoelectric materials and their energy conversion capacity. "A large portion of produced electricity is lost as heat and never used to power anything," she told the college's news platform, according to the University of Cincinnati's official website. Schlaak's research delves into the behavior of these materials under various conditions, utilizing specialized technology that cools down to frigid temperatures and employs strong magnetic fields.
Her journey toward this research niche blended personal convenience and academic passion. Schlaak chose UC due to its proximity to her family's home in Cincinnati, which proved both socially and financially prudent. This choice is practical, reflecting Schlaak's no-nonsense approach to her work. She connected with Dr. Sarah Watzman during her undergraduate years, leading to a continued partnership through her master's thesis and PhD endeavors.
Among her accomplishments, Schlaak is particularly proud of earning a Graduate Research Fellowship from the National Science Foundation in the Spring of 2023, a feat marked by deep competition and recognition nationally. With her expected graduation in 2026, she intends to continue exploring the frontiers of energy generation, mainly through intriguing materials like semiconductors or semimetals. Beyond the lab, Schlaak contributes to her community by showcasing the potential of thermoelectric modules through outreach events, sparking curiosity among attendees. Her hobbies, including baking and spending time with her dog, Moose, keep her grounded amid the rigors of academic research.
Her work represents more than mere academic endeavor. It illustrates how scientific curiosity, channeled through rigorous study and hands-on experimentation, can yield progress toward more sustainable energy practices. Katherine Schlaak embodies the spirit of innovation driven by more than the desire to achieve but an earnest pursuit to solve real-world issues - turning the tables on power waste and potentially altering how we harness electricity for the future.
