About
Maryam Ikram is a passionate researcher with a strong background in chemical engineering and materials science. She graduated in 2022 with a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Engineering and Technology (Lahore, Pakistan). In the same year, she got selected for the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s program in Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion (MESC+). During the first academic year, she studied at Warsaw University of Technology (WUT) and the University of Paul Sabatier (UT-III). Later for specializing in Li-Ion batteries and energy conversion materials, she chose the University of Picardy Jules Verne (UPJV) for third semester.
In September 2024, Maryam successfully defended her master’s thesis, hosted by CIC energiGUNE, Spain. Her project focused on the MnFe2O4-Na2CO3-based thermochemical water-splitting cycle for hydrogen production, with an emphasis on modifying material properties by substituting Mn sites with Zn to enhance hydrogen production efficiency. She was responsible for the synthesis, detailed characterization, and final testing of the material in a prototype reactor.
This research experience sparked her deep interest in material synthesis, and characterization, motivating her to pursue a PhD in materials science. Currently, as part of the AUFRANDE program, Maryam is working on “New Mn-based oxides used as positive electrodes for sodium-ion batteries” under the supervision of Dr. Marie Guignard at the Institut de Chimie de la Matière Condensée de Bordeaux (ICMCB), with a secondment at the University of Sydney under the supervision of Prof. Maxim Avdeev.
Outside of her research, Maryam enjoys reading novels and cooking. She finds cooking and material synthesis similar, as both require precision, creativity, and a deep understanding of how different components interact. In both cases, small adjustments can lead to significant changes whether optimizing material properties in the lab or refining a recipe in the kitchen allowing her to experiment and innovate.
Interests
Maryam’s research interests are related to Material Science, Solid State Chemistry, Material Synthesis, Material Characterization, XRD, Battery Materials, and Energy.
Outside the academia she enjoys photography, reading, and cooking.