Bio
With over 10 years of research experience, Corey’s expertise is in electrochemistry with a focus on materials sustainability and degradation within the applications of corrosion and battery technology. He has extensive knowledge of different characterization techniques, such as atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). He started his research journey as an undergraduate researcher in the Surface Science Laboratory (SSL) at Boise State as an AFM expert, graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2015. After a year in industry, he returned to Boise State as a graduate student working for Dr. Mike Hurley researching corrosion of lightweight alloys, as well as cladding used in nuclear reactors, collaborating with Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and the Center for Advanced Energy Studies (CAES) in Idaho Falls. He received a fellowship from INL in 2019 to develop technologies around lithium-metal batteries, a pivot from his previous research with a maintained focus of electrochemical degradation toward a new application. In August of 2021, Corey completed his PhD dissertation, titled “How to Recognize and Control Interfacial Phenomena That Hinder the Advancement of Clean Energy Technologies.” After graduation, he continued working at INL as the Russell L. Heath distinguished postdoctoral fellow, awarded in 2022 for Corey to establish sulfide-based, solid-state battery research and capabilities at INL, while also continuing his work on lithium metal. He participated in the Department of Energy’s Office of Technology Transitions Energy i-Corps program in the fall of 2021, where he developed a framework for industry engagement and a Lean Startup canvas for a lithium anode design he co-patented at INL. He has recently returned for his third research stint with Boise State as a research engineer in the SSL, providing support to different research efforts on campus. He’s co-authored 16 publications in prestigious journals such as Nature Materials, Materials Today, and Corrosion Science. His research interests are in the development of clean energy technologies with hopes of supporting a circular economy with equitable initiatives.