12/6/2023 Cassandra Smith
Written by Cassandra Smith
A Materials Research Laboratory postdoctoral scholar will have a chance to use his research in industry through the Mistletoe Research Fellowship, bestowed by the Momental Foundation.
Dr. Sung Bum Kang works under the guidance of MRL’s Paul Braun (Materials Science & Engineering). Kang focuses on materials and devices for Energy storage and conversion. “Ultimately, my work [is] aimed to bridge the gap between the fundamental science and energy technologies,” said Kang. His most recent work involved solar cells, which harvest electricity for solar light. “Moreover, I’m working with Professor Paul Braun in the field of thermal engineering, aiming to manipulate material properties and create durable thermal energy storage materials.”
Kang was chosen to participate in the Mistletoe Fellowship. He was one of 24 fellows chosen for this program. There were 300 applicants.
He will be paired with a startup company. He said that during an upcoming workshop to kick off the program, the Foundation will pair fellows with startups related to their fields of expertise.
In addition to working with a company, Kang will receive $10,000 in unfettered funding, allowing him to allocate the funds to various aspects of his research. “For me, it means to have the freedom to explore innovative solutions in cooperation with a startup or pursuing the boundaries without typical constraint.”
The funding and collaboration opportunities are great for Kang as he grows his experience in the field. “I have the chance to encounter a variety of people and engage in fellowships with several promising startups.”
Kang said he had great support leading to this moment in his career. “My advisor, Paul Braun, has been instrumental in guiding my research directions, and his insight and encouragement have been invaluable.” He also thanked Mechanical Science & Engineering Professor Sanjiv Sinha for writing a recommendation letter for him.