Skip to main content Skip to navigation
Clean Energy Systems Integration Lab Energy, Buildings, and Systems

Current CESI Lab Students

nathaniel-jones_professionalNathaniel JonesNathaniel Jones hails originally from Seattle, Washington. He received his B.A. in Applied Physics from Whitworth University and his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Washington State University, graduating in May of 2016. He is now pursuing his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering. Nathaniel’s interest in solid oxide fuel cells originates from an internship he had with Bloom Energy, a SOFC company in Sunnyvale, California. He is interested in seeing realization of clean energy concepts in his lifetime. He enjoys spending time with his wife, getting outdoors to ride bikes, reading, playing board games, and spending time imagining new inventions.
haleyHaley MikeskaHaley received her B.S. in Physics with a concentration in Materials Science from University of North Florida, where she also minored in Mathematics and Photography. Haley’s interest in clean energy comes from her coastal upbringing, and she is excited to expand her knowledge during her Ph.D. research in the CESI Lab. When she has free time, she enjoys crocheting, crafting, hula hooping, and attending music festivals.
Ashley MillsAshley Mills graduated from Eastern Washington University in June 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Her interest in clean energy comes from her love of nature and desire to find ways to protect the environment while still creating advancements for society. She is excited to see how the idea of clean energy makes advancements throughout her career. In her free time, she enjoys training her dogs, going for long hikes, juggling, and playing board games.
Ryan HamiltonRyan graduated from California State University, Fullerton in 2017 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Physics. He also holds two A.A. and one A.S. degree from Santiago Canyon College. As an undergraduate Ryan led a group of engineering students in a collaborative project to develop a Regenerative Direct Formate Fuel Cell as an energy storage device creating several bench scale prototypes and participating in clean technology commercialization programs through UC Berkeley and Caltech. He also completed and defended an undergraduate thesis titled, “Mathematical Modeling and Experimental Validation of a Regenerative Direct Formate Fuel Cell” for the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program. Ryan is interested in developing clean and sustainable energy systems but most of all implementing them and promoting sustainable lifestyles. He hopes to one day have the resources available to be a part of globally engaging research and development projects, that reach across disciplines and borders by addressing pressing global issues. Ryan enjoys spending time outdoors camping, snowboarding, adventuring, and is excited to explore the opportunities in and around the Palouse area.
Ting-Wei HsuTing-Wei Hsu is Taiwanese and received his a B.S. in Physics from National Taiwan Normal University. In 2015, he got his M.S. in Vehicle Engineering from National Taipei University of Technology. He's interested in energy storage based on his passion for the automobile and the ambition to improve the reliability of renewable energy. He's excited to be a part of the progress of the energy revolution with the high-cooperative team at WSU. In his free time, Ting-Wei enjoys watching Formula 1 racing, fixing Tech gadgets, and cycling for 120 miles a day.
Preston GoodallPreston graduated from the University of Idaho in 2018 with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering. While working on his senior project in undergrad to help increase recycling of plastics, he developed a strong interest in renewable resources and sustainability. After undergrad, he worked as an engineer for a manufacturing company for a short time before returning to graduate school. During his time in CESI lab he hopes to learn more about clean energy, heat transfer, and thermodynamics. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, reading, and golf.
Cameron BennethumCameron Bennethum is originally from Denver, Colorado, and received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with a specialty in Thermo-Fluid systems from Colorado School of Mines in 2017. His work with fuel cells started at the Colorado Fuel Cell Center where he built a high-temperature high-pressure test stand for fuel cells. He is interested in developing clean energy systems and production methods with his product development background and his research as a Ph.D. student in the CESI lab. In his spare time, Cameron enjoys snowboarding, camping, mountain biking, and solving puzzles.
Brian EkkensBrian Ekkens hails from Walla Walla, Washington. He received a B.S.E and a minor in math from Walla Walla University graduating in June of 2019. He is now pursuing his Ph.D. in Material Science. Brian’s interest in material science stems from lifetime of interest in applying concepts from STEM fields to create improved products and advanced technologies. A major motivation for him in field of renewable energy is the preservation of the great outdoors which he enjoys exploring. These activities can take a number of different forms such as riding his bikes, downhill skiing, or hiking with friends.