MD Manihur Islam

Why FSU?

I chose Florida State University because of its strong research environment, the opportunity to work with Dr. Yan-Yan Hu, and access to the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (MagLab), which offers world-class degree facilities for advanced materials research. FSU has given me the opportunity to develop my research skills and explore important challenges in next-generation battery technologies.

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

My interest in research began during my undergraduate studies at the University of Dhaka, where I discovered how much I enjoyed exploring scientific questions and finding solutions to real-world problems. Working on energy-storage materials inspired me to pursue graduate studies and contribute to the development of safer and more efficient technologies.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

My research focuses on understanding why solid-state lithium batteries fail and how we can make them safer, more reliable, and longer-lasting. Although solid-state batteries hold great promise for next-generation energy storage, two major challenges to their commercialization are capacity fading and premature short circuits, which limit their performance and raise safety concerns. One of the key reasons behind these failures is the growth of tiny lithium structures called dendrites inside solid electrolytes, and I believe understanding how they form and finding ways to prevent them is essential to overcoming these challenges. At FSU, I use advanced nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to investigate these mechanisms and explore strategies that could help make solid-state batteries a practical reality for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.

Who has been influential in your graduate journey?

I believe a PhD is a journey of learning, growth, and overcoming challenges, rather than just earning a degree. My advisor, Dr. Yan-Yan Hu, has been one of the most influential people in this journey, guiding me to think independently, approach research problems from different perspectives, and learn from failures. My labmates and the supportive research environment at FSU have also played an important role in shaping me as both a researcher and a person.

Career aspirations

My goal is to become a research scientist in the battery industry, where I can apply my knowledge and research experience to develop safer, more efficient, and longer-lasting energy-storage technologies. I want to bridge the gap between fundamental scientific discoveries and real-world applications, helping turn promising laboratory research into technologies that can make a difference in people's lives. Along the way, I hope to continue learning, collaborating with other researchers, and mentoring the next generation of scientists.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

I would say that graduate school is not just about earning a degree; it is a journey of discovering your potential, learning from failures, and growing both personally and professionally. There will be times when experiments fail, progress feels slow, or you question your abilities, but those experiences often teach you the most. Stay curious, be patient with yourself, seek guidance when you need it, and remember that every small step forward is part of the journey. 

Accomplishments during graduate career

One of my proudest accomplishments has been presenting my research on lithium dendrite formation at the American Chemical Society (ACS) Fall 2026 National Meeting, where I had the opportunity to share my findings with researchers from around the world. I am also proud of contributing to several scientific publications, receiving the Dean's Award for Doctoral Excellence, and being selected as a Top 15 finalist in the ACS Energy and Fuels Division FLASH Talk competition. These achievements are especially meaningful to me because they reflect years of hard work, experiments that did not always go as planned, and the encouragement I received from my advisor and colleagues along the way.

• Dean's Award for Doctoral Excellence, Florida State University (2025)
• Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Travel Award, FSU (2026)
• ACS Division of Inorganic Chemistry (DIC) Travel Award (2026)
• Congress of Graduate Students (COGS) Travel Award, FSU (2026)
• Graduate Student Research Conference (GSRC) Travel Award, FSU (2026)
• Top 15 Finalist, ACS Energy and Fuels Division (ENFL) FLASH Talk Competition (2026)

Organizations you are part of at FSU

• Congress of Graduate Students (COGS)
• Science and Arts Advocacy Committee Member
• American Chemical Society (ACS)
• ACS Energy and Fuels Division (ENFL) Membership Committee Member
• Florida State University Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry – Graduate Research and Teaching Activities

Hobbies outside academics

Traveling, exploring new places, outdoor activities, and mentoring students.