Materials engineering doctoral student wins GRSP award for hydrogen sensor research

The kudos for materials engineering doctoral student Vladislav Korostelev keep coming.

Korostelev, whom in April was named Auburn University's 2023-24 Outstanding Doctoral Student for the Department of Materials Engineering, recently received the Graduate Research Scholars Program (GRSP) award for his work in ensuring the safe and widespread use of hydrogen as a clean energy alternative — which is easier said than done.

"Hydrogen is essential for various applications from rockets to cars, but it's colorless, odorless and highly flammable," Korostelev said. "That poses significant safety challenges. Accurate hydrogen detection is essential to prevent disasters in everything from aerospace applications to everyday hydrogen-operated vehicles. My research focuses on developing advanced hydrogen sensors by examining how hydrogen interacts with different materials. "

Awarded through the Alabama Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (ALEPSCoR), a consortium of the state's eight Ph.D. granting institutions, the Alabama Department of Commerce, the Alabama Commission on Higher Education and business leaders; the GRSP award not only acknowledges the novelty and impact of Korostelev's research but also provides valuable resources and support to accelerate it.

"The sensors developed through this research will be cost-effective, user-friendly and crucial in mitigating risks associated with making hydrogen a more viable clean energy source," Korostelev said. "Using advanced atomistic modeling, theory and machine learning, I aim to discover new, highly responsive materials, particularly alloys and ceramics.

"Receiving the award validates the importance of this work and motivates me to continue advancing clean energy technologies."