Sanaz Koohfar

Sanaz Koohfar can’t recall when her passion for engineering began — because it feels like it’s always been part of her. During her postdoctoral years, she researched how to improve the stability of energy conversion systems through electrochemistry.

“The idea of energy systems and developing materials for converting and storing energy was appealing to me,” she says. “I believe that sustainable energy conversion is what we all need.”

Koohfar is an incoming assistant professor in The Polytechnic School, part of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, and will be a faculty member in the clean energy systems program.

Koohfar was drawn to ASU by its advanced infrastructure, outstanding faculty and, of course, Arizona’s always-sunny skies. She is most excited to bring her ideas into the lab and explore interdisciplinary research, combining her expertise in electrochemistry and materials science with other fields.

Students taking her EGR 520 Engineering Analysis I course should be prepared to start with the basics, though some comfort with math is expected.

“Math is not scary, I promise,” Koohfar jokes.

After completing her doctoral degree in physics at North Carolina State University, Koohfar achieved a longtime dream by joining the Laboratory for Electrochemical Interfaces at MIT as a postdoctoral researcher — a goal she had set for herself back in high school. She considers her work there to be one of her proudest accomplishments.

When she’s not in the lab, Koohfar trades circuits and equations for quests and open worlds in games — Elden Ring is her favorite escape. She enjoys camping and hiking and looks forward to exploring her new home of Arizona, once the summer heat subsides.

Meet the newest faculty members of the Fulton Schools of Engineering here.

Written by Joy Gaeraths