NICER

NICER (Nature Inspired Collaborative Energy Research) is a UNC system-supported initiative led by Principal Investigator Dr. Shabnam Hematian. Our interdisciplinary team leverages expertise in chemistry, biology, computer science, and engineering to explore innovative approaches, particularly the use of natural products, for clean energy capture, storage, and transport with a strong focus on next generation battery technology. Geographically, our team spans from Charlotte (UNCC) through the Triad (UNCG and NCAT) and into the Research Triangle (UNC-CH and Mycosynthetix), bringing together a network of ambitious and skilled scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs to address interdisciplinary challenges for North Carolina’s citizens as we transition to an electrified future. Our research underscores the transformative potential of nature-inspired compounds in advancing clean energy.

Our team across North Carolina includes:

Nicholas Oberlies, Ph.D., Patricia A. Sullivan Distinguished Professor of Chemistry (UNCG)
Minjeong Kim, Ph.D., Assistant Professor & Associate Head of Computer Science (UNCG)
Cedric Pearce, Ph.D., CEO/CSO (Mycosynthetix, Inc)
Jillian Dempsey, Ph.D., Bowman & Gordon Gray Distinguished Professor of Chemistry (UNC-CH)
Michael Walter, Ph.D., Professor of Chemistry (UNCC)
Yong Zhang, Ph.D., Howard C. & Sara H. Bissell Distinguished Professor in Engineering (UNCC)
Christopher Bejger, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Chemistry (UNCC)
Xiaochuan Lu, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Applied Engineering (NCAT)

Interested in learning more or collaborating with our team? Reach out at NICER.energy@gmail.com.