Professor Sossina Haile

Prof. Sossina Haile’s research broadly encompasses solid state ionic materials and devices, with particular focus on energy technologies. She has established a new class of fuel cells based on solid acid electrolytes and demonstrated record power densities for solid oxide fuel cells. Her more recent work on water dissociation for solar-fuel generation by thermochemical processes has created new avenues for harnessing sunlight to meet rising energy demands. She has published more than 150 articles and holds more than 15 patents on these and other topics. Amongst her many awards, in 2008 Haile received an American Competitiveness and Innovation (ACI) Fellowship from the National Science Foundation in recognition of “her timely and transformative research in the energy field and her dedication to inclusive mentoring, education and outreach across many levels.”

Recognitions: membership in national and other academies, Prizes, Awards, etc.

•  International Ceramics Prize (World Academy of Ceramics) 2012, for “high-flux solar driven thermochemical CO2 dissociation and high-performance solid oxide fuel cell cathode”
•  Chemical Pioneer Award (AIC) 2010, for “establishing new classes of fuel cells…”
•  American Competitiveness Initiative Fellowship (NSF), 2008, for “timely and transformative research in the energy field and dedication to inclusive mentoring, education & outreach…”
•  Named as one of twelve people to watch in 2008 by Newsweek Magazine
• 27th Congressional District Woman of the Year, 2002
• J. Wagner Award (ECS) 2001, for significant contributions towards the understanding
• of high-temperature, ion-conducting materials
• Coble Award (ACerS) 2000, in recognition of outstanding research in ceramic science
• Hardy Award, (TMS) 1997, for exceptional promise of success in materials science
• National Young Investigator (NSF), 1994-1999, to investigate solid electrolytes