She is a postdoctoral researcher with six years of R&D experience in PEM fuel cells and water electrolyzers, specializing in electrocatalyst design, MEA engineering, and ionomer optimization. She integrates polymer chemistry, nanomaterials, and electrochemistry to link material design with device performance, advancing scalable hydrogen energy technologies through academic and industry collaboration.

Dr. Ashwini Nallayagari

PhD
Pronouns: She/Her

Affiliations

Post Doctoral Associate

University of Calgary

Contact information

Email

ashwini.nallayagari@ucalgary.ca

Web presence

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashwini-reddy-nallayagari-203281175/

Background

Educational Background

Doctorate - Chemistry / Industrial Engineering , Aix-Marseille University /University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , 2022

MSc -Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degree - Chemical Nano Engineering, Aix-Marseille University/ Wrocław University of Science and Technology & University of Rome Tor Vergata, 2019

BSc - Chemistry, Osmania University,

Projects

Materials Chemist | Electrochemical Energy, Nanomaterials, and Polymer Technologies

My research focuses on understanding how materials can be designed and engineered to solve scientific challenges in clean energy and environmental sustainability. I began by investigating carbon quantum dots, exploring how their composition and surface chemistry influence electrocatalytic activity and their potential for sensing applications. This work shaped my approach to research: identifying the underlying scientific limitation and tailoring material properties to overcome it.

I have since expanded this approach to fuel cells and water electrolyzers, investigating electrocatalysts, electrode interfaces, and polymer electrolytes to improve electrochemical performance and durability. My work on polymer membranes addresses challenges associated with ion transport, chemical compatibility, and material stability in energy systems. Through academic and industrial collaborations, I aim to understand why materials perform differently under practical operating conditions and translate these insights into better-performing technologies.

By combining materials synthesis, electrochemical diagnostics, and surface characterization, I seek to develop cost-effective, durable solutions for hydrogen production, energy conversion, and chemical sensing.

Awards

  • Mitacs Accelerate Fellowship, Cummins Inc.. 2025
  • Doctoral Fellowship, University of Rome Tor Vergata . 2019
  • Vinci Mobility Fellowship, Franco-Italian University. 2021
  • Borsa di Studio Award, University of Rome Tor Vergata. 2019
  • Lazio-Disco Scholarship, University of Rome Tor Vergata . 2017
  • Best Poster Presentation Prize, Osmania University. 2016