Sang Cheol is passionate about accelerating the energy transition. He began his career in clean energy at LG Chem, a major chemical and Li-ion battery manufacturer. For about three years, Sang Cheol worked as a cell development engineer for electric vehicle applications, where he received numerous accolades for his contributions. After accruing industrial experience and developing an eye for practically important problems, Sang Cheol moved to Stanford University to pursue graduate studies in materials science and engineering. Under the supervision of Prof. Yi Cui and in close collaboration with Prof. Zhenan Bao and Prof. Jian Qin, Sang Cheol took a deep dive into battery electrolytes, developing new tools and high-performance electrolytes for next generation Li batteries. Now, as a Stanford Energy Postdoctoral Fellow with Prof. Steven Chu, 1997 Nobel Laureate in Physics and former US Secretary of Energy, Sang Cheol is extending his expertise in electrolytes and electrochemistry to develop new solutions for carbon capture. 

Outside of research, Sang Cheol has been passitionate about serving communities within and beyond Stanford. Recognizing that policy is crucial in accelerating the development and deployment of technologies, Sang Cheol served as a panelist on Trans-Pacific Sustainability Dialogue, led by Mr. Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of United Nations (UN), and as a fellow on Stanford Emerging Technology Review, led by Dr. Condoleezza Rice, former US Secretary of State. Sang Cheol served as Industrial Liaison for Stanford StorageX, and President of the Korean Graduate Student Association at Stanford University. Sang Cheol has been awarded with numerous accolades for his contributions in research and to the community, including the Stanford Energy Postdoctoral (STEP) Fellowship, Materials Research Society (MRS) Graduate Student Award and Electrochemical Society (ECS) Daniel Cubicciotti Student Award.

Sang Cheol was born in South Korea, where he spent his first 10 years. He grew up in Singapore, where he went to middle school and high school and has also lived in the US, UK, Japan and China. Sang Cheol served in the military of South Korea as a sergeant with specialty in artillery. Outside of lab, he enjoys spending time with family and his baby daughter, cooking and enjoying good food and drinks with family and friends.