Zaara Bhatia

Zaara Bhatia is a researcher currently working at Lawrence Livermore National Lab in the Advanced Manufacturing Lab. There she conducts simulation projects on high-performance computers using density functional theory to model molecular behavior under varying conditions, with a focus on developing methods to isolate lithium for fusion reactors that minimize environmental impact. She also contributes to techno-economic analyses to bridge laboratory research with real-world policy and economic considerations. A student at Harvey Mudd College set to graduate next year, Bhatia began her research journey in her junior year of high school with an astro research role at the University of Hong Kong and has since worked in multiple college labs. Her interests include fusion energy research, climate technology solutions, and future work in medical physics research. Outside her primary role, she volunteered for approximately two years with Develop for Good, a nonprofit that pairs computer science volunteers with other nonprofits in need of technical support.