RESEARCH INTERESTS
Lyla’s research is motivated by simple and translational materials solutions for environmental and heath sustainability. She is excited to study fire retardant materials for protecting the wildland, and biomaterials for delivering cancer therapies.
EDUCATION
PhD, Materials Science & Engineering, Stanford University - Expected 2027
BS, Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University - 2022
HONORS, AWARDS, and SCHOLARSHIPS
Distinction in Research and Creative Work, Rice University, 2022
Sigma Xi, Rice University, 2022
Engineering Alumni Merit Award, Rice University, 2022
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Nov 2020 – May 2022
Research Advisor: Dr. Haotian Wang
Lyla tested and monitored the efficiency of carbon dioxide capture via a solid electrolyte reactor as a facile way to recover flue gas and convert carbon dioxide into valuable chemical products. She promoted the concept of the “E-Carbon Trap” to attract industrial attention to low-carbon and clean energy efforts facilitated by electrocatalysis.
Department of Materials Science and Nanoengineering, Rice University, Jan 2019 – May 2022
Research Advisor: Dr. Pulickel M. Ajayan
Lyla explored various functional nanomaterials for coating battery separators to improve the electrochemical performance and cyclability of lithium-sulfur batteries. She developed a simple way to coat fluorinated multi-walled carbon nanotubes onto polypropylene separators to reduce the polysulfide shuttle effect in Li-S cells.
ABOUT
Lyla grew up in Zhengzhou, a city in central China known for the renowned Shaolin Monastery as the ancient center of Chinese Kung-fu. She lived in Houston for eight years before visiting California for the first time when she moved to Stanford for her graduate study. Before committing to an engineering program, Lyla was a dedicated cellist playing in symphony orchestras for seven years. Outside of lab, she enjoys ballroom dance socials and competitions, drawing wallpapers with iPad Procreate, and spending time in nature near water.