Outbound Attachment at the University of Trento, Italy: Maryam Hassan

Maryam Hassan, an MSc candidate from the Energy Conversion and Storage Materials Research Team, participated in a spring term exchange program at Università di Trento's Department of Civil, Environmental, and Mechanical Engineering (DICAM) through the UKM-UniTrento Bilateral Agreement. During her stay from April until June 2025, she conducted complementary research supporting her Master's thesis project.

During her attachment, she conducted research on the effects of different kesterite synthesis methods—ball milling and hot injection under the supervision of Assistant Prof. Narges Ataollahi—on rechargeable lithium battery performance. Additionally, Maryam had the privilege of learning X-ray diffraction (XRD) theory and its applications in polycrystalline materials from Prof. Paolo Scardi, the research group leader and a recognized authority in the field.

Beyond the laboratory, Maryam immersed herself in Trento’s vibrant springtime, exploring the picturesque mountain landscapes. She also enjoyed the warm hospitality of the research team, including Tanguy Bernard—a familiar face who had previously participated in an Inbound Attachment at SERI UKM in 2022. This mutual academic connection further enriched the collaborative atmosphere.

The Energy Conversion and Storage Materials Research Team extends its sincere gratitude to Prof. Paolo Scardi, Assistant Prof. Narges Ataollahi, and their team for their generous support and mentorship throughout Maryam’s enriching experience.