Claire Heikkila Ely
Major
Chemical Engineering
Awards
ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ Engineering Council Silver Medal Award
College of Engineering and Applied Science Research Award
Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering Outstanding Senior Award (CHEN)
Post-graduation plans
Work at a cleantech startup
Associated Lab
Professor Mike Toney
Toney Group
Tell me about your research
I study alternative battery technologies (aqueous zinc metal batteries) which use earth-abundant materials and safe, non-flammable electrolytes for grid-scale energy storage, addressing the growing scarcity of critical metals and increased demand for electrification. My research, alongside the rest of the Toney Group, focuses on understanding energy technologies using materials characterization techniques.
Why do you think you won the research award?
I deeply enjoy the research process, which is an outlet for curiosity and cool science. A huge part of my success in undergraduate research are my wonderful mentors, Dr. Mike Toney, Lacey Roberts and Dr. Sam Marks; alongside the support of the rest of the Toney Group. Without them, I would not have had the opportunity to learn specialized skills, understand how to ask questions and design experiments, and be able to take initiative to explore the science that inspires me.Ìý
What are some fun facts about yourself?
I've gotten to know a lot of the different buildings at ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ through different on-campus jobs! I started as a barista in the Engineering Center cafes, before beginning undergraduate research on East Campus and transitioning to a lab assistant role in the Jennie Smoley Caruthers Biotechnology Building. After my freshman year, I began working as a lab assistant for the Chemical Engineering Senior Lab, which was a unique experience as I wouldn't take the course until my senior year! With the help of Dr. Ehsan Keyvani, I learned a lot about chemical process unit operations and how to troubleshoot, fix equipment and manage experimental procedures.
I lived in Seattle for a summer doing undergraduate research through an National Science Foundation funded Research Experience for Undergraduates! This was an awesome way to see other parts of the country, develop my research skills and build connections.
I spend a lot of my time outside of school running! I ran my first marathon at the end of my junior year, and have loved the access to tons of trails in Boulder. I try to get outside as much as possible through camping, hiking, skiing and running with my friends. Boulder is the perfect place to work hard/play hard.
I did a summer study abroad in Barranquilla, Colombia. Living with a local family and taking intensive summer courses in materials science, I had the chance to practice my Spanish-science, travel around Colombia and develop really strong friendships in a short amount of time.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am most proud of reviving the American Institute of Chemical Engineers Chem-E-Car club after its dormancy during COVID-19. I lead a team in designing a shoebox-sized car powered and stopped by chemical reactions. Most importantly, it's a low-stakes and fun environment to get hands-on engineering experience. This club has been one of the things that makes me feel like an engineer: getting to design, build, test and fail repeatedly has helped build my confidence in my ability to learn.Ìý
Since my freshman year, we've grown the team from five founding members (now all seniors) to a team of 20 students across all class years. We've qualified twice for the AIChE national competition, but what I am most proud of is the supportive community that we’ve built.
What is your biggest piece of advice for future engineering buffs?
Get involved and treat every year like your freshman year. Talk to new people, make connections, join clubs and intramurals, and stay excited! ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ offers an overwhelming amount of opportunity that will help you grow personally, academically and professionally.