Erfan Mohammadi

Meet our Students

Erfan Mohammadi, Graduate Student

Entered Fall 2014

Where are you from? What was your undergraduate degree and from which university?

I am from Hamedan, a city in the west of Iran. I got my bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Sharif University of Technology in Tehran.

Why did you choose the University of Illinois and the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department?

I chose Illinois because of its highly collaborative atmosphere, and high rank in chemical and life sciences program. All groups in the campus have access to MRL Central Research Facilities which help them to use expensive and complex cutting-edge research instruments with academic prices and the assistance of professional staff.

Tell us about your research interests. What lab do you work in and what is your role in the lab?

I am working on understanding and control of microstructure evolution in printed electronics. I use solution processable organic semiconductor materials, and investigate their nucleation and growth. I am a second year grad student working in Diao Group, and I am in charge of mentoring an undergraduate student under ISUR (Illinois Scholars Undergraduate Research) program working in our lab. Moreover I am in charge of maintenance of some of the instruments in lab as other graduate students.

What are your plans after you receive your Ph.D.?

While I am being trained doing my Ph.D., I am evaluating my options. I am very interested to develop my own marketable inventions and traverse the path to become an entrepreneur in my own field. I am also considering to work in high-tech companies to be able to develop new technological products applicable to modern life.

What’s your favorite thing to do around campus or in Champaign-Urbana? (Favorite restaurant, favorite way or place to unwind?)

I love how calm and peaceful is the Champaign-Urbana and I fell in love with city during my first visit. There are lots of opportunities to hike, bike and canoe nearby. I really like Turkey Run State Park and Kickapoo in particular for canoeing and hiking.