Katya (Katherine) Poliektova

Platinum Tungsten Thin Films

Individual research project that aimed to quantify platinum tungsten interactions for applications in oxygen reduction catalysis. Thin films were designed and then synthesized using physical vapor deposition to create an ideal surface for study. Electrochemical tests are used to determine the surface morphology and catalytic properties of thin films.

High-precision synthesis and electrochemistry of Pt nanoparticles

Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 2026, 14, 19613–19619

Study correlates precise nanoparticle synthesis with catalytic activity. Contributed to this study by conducting electrochemical characterization on nanoparticles and validating synthesis techniques using catalyst performance testing.

RDE Evaluation of PtxCo Alloy Nanoparticles

Tested and interpreted novel platinum cobalt nanoparticles. Used ICP-MS, TEM imaging, and electrochemical characterization to quantify activity improvements through the addition of cobalt.

Chem-E-Car

Competitive project with custom stopping and starting chemical mechanisms to operate car movement. Led a team of six engineers to manufacture a custom lead acid battery to power the car. Used academic research, laboratory techniques, and tests to ensure battery functionality and stability. Competed at the 2026 AIChE Western Regional Conference, placing above teams from Caltech, UCR, California Baptist University, UCD, USC, UCLA, UCSB, and CalPoly Pomona.

Spacecraft Thermal Management Project

Research project with the aim to create a variable emission device that would alter coloration electrochemically to thermally regulate in space. Worked as a test engineer for the gel electrolyte sub team, focused on manufacturing and testing a gel that would be rigid enough to survive the vacuum of space, yet fluid enough to allow charge transfer between the tungsten and copper plates. Broke major project barriers through quantifying gel conductivity and charge transfer via complete overhaul of testing procedure and analysis.