Vicky Chelangat
Vicky Chelangat is a graduate research assistant at Villanova University, specializing in energy generation systems with a focus on battery storage, cell materials, electrochemistry, and system-level design. She earned her undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering from Villanova, where she developed a strong foundation in thermodynamics, material selection, reaction kinetics, process control, and unit operations. Her graduate work leverages advanced modeling and simulation tools, including MATLAB, ASPEN, Simulink, Python, and RStudio, as well as experimental techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), electron microscopy (TEM, SEM), and spectroscopy, to evaluate battery performance, degradation, safety, and lifetime.
Beyond her research in energy storage, Vicky has applied her expertise to international engineering projects across Ghana, India, Kenya, Panama, Peru, and the Navajo Nation, deploying decentralized energy solutions that bridge energy disparities. These experiences have strengthened her ability to adapt technical solutions to diverse environmental and cultural contexts and reinforced her commitment to sustainable design practices. She integrates whole-system design strategies such as biomimicry, design for disassembly, end-of-life management, and life cycle assessment to enhance both the safety and circularity of energy technologies.
Vicky’s professional focus centers on material selection, performance prediction, and sustainable end-of-life management for energy systems. She has collaborated with industry partners, including Arkema and L3Harris Technologies, on projects that optimize battery manufacturing, recycling, and 3D printing processes. Recognized for her contributions through the Lemelson Foundation’s Engineering for One Planet award and a NASA grant, she continues to explore opportunities across the full product development lifecycle of resilient energy generation, storage, and consumption technologies, always seeking to design solutions that benefit both local communities and global sustainability goals.
• Responsible Conduct of Research for Engineers
• Biomedical Data Research
• SQL Programming
• Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
• Ethical Leadership Certification
• Villanova University - B.S.
• Ron Cruse International Fellowship
• Ethical Leadership Certification
• Dean's Scholar
• Engineering for One Planet award
• American Institute of Chemical Engineers
• Electrochemical Society
• American Institute of Chemical Engineers
• Villanova Engineering Service Learning Program
• Humanitarian Engineering Program
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my genuine passion for the field. I truly enjoy my work as a graduate research assistant, particularly as I delve deeper into energy systems within engineering. I am excited to complete my Master’s degree and look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in my career.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that it’s possible to build a career in a field you love while continuing to further your education. This guidance has encouraged me to pursue both my passions and ongoing learning simultaneously.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is that you can build both an education and a career that you truly love and feel passionate about. Pursue what excites you, and let that passion guide your growth and opportunities.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I’m currently facing is working hard to complete my Master’s degree. At the same time, this period presents an exciting opportunity to prepare for the next phase of my career and apply my knowledge in meaningful ways.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life include dedication, curiosity, and balance. I strive to work hard in my studies while also making time to enjoy life—whether through reading, exploring new experiences, or living each day to the fullest.