Advance at UNM 2019 Women in STEM Awards: Dr. Sakineh Chabi

Dr. Sakineh Chabi, an assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Her proposal is “Design and Synthesis of Artificial Leaf for Solar Fuel Generation.”

The project aims to synthesize a fully integrated membrane-based artificial leaf. Artificial photosynthesis is a technology that uses sunlight to convert water and carbon dioxide into renewable fuels, such as hydrogen, methanol, and hydrocarbons, which can be used directly as transportation fuels, raw materials for industry, or for electricity generation in fuel cells.

“I appreciate the support by the Women in STEM committee. I plan to use this funding to test new materials and get preliminary data. The results will be used to support proposals to the NSF, and other agencies,” Chabi said.