Sabrina Wan

October 22, 2025

What do you like about your job and/or about working at the Lab?

Working at the Lab, I am fortunate to have the opportunity to address the grand challenges that our nation faces and solve challenging scientific problems. It has been a great experience working with talented colleagues, postdocs, and students, expanding my research portfolio, and building a broad collaboration network.

What do your day-to-day work activities include?

My day-to-day activities may vary depending on my research and management priorities. As my research area expands and I devote more effort to program development, I spend the majority of my time mentoring postdocs and students, engaging with my management team, and keeping track of recent research developments.

What is one project you’re really proud to have worked on?

It is pretty hard to choose one project. I started my career at the Lab working on modeling solid-state batteries. Over the years, I have become established in the battery field for applying multiscale modeling and machine-learning approaches to address interfacial heterogeneity, multimodal degradation, and various transport and mechanical phenomena across the scales.

What is your educational/career background?

I have a PhD in materials science and engineering, with a strong emphasis on atomistic modeling and simulations.

What inspired you to go into science/your field of work?

To understand the fundamental working principles of advanced technologies and gain the required knowledge to develop new technologies that will benefit human society.

What advice would you give to a new employee at the Lab?

I would recommend immersing yourself in the Lab’s cultural and working environment and being a strong team player. There are many career development opportunities offered by the Lab that the new employees can take full advantage of.

What are your hobbies/what do you do in your free time?

Traveling, exploring nature, sketching, playing puzzles.

Where are you from?

China

Do you support disciplines or programs outside PLS?

Global Security