Patrick Yang is an NSF CREST IDEALS Fellow and member of the CUNY Energy Institute, working on energy storage. Patrick investigates advanced zinc-based anode materials for next-generation alkaline and rechargeable batteries, with a focus on improving cycle life, safety, and cost-efficiency for large-scale energy storage. His research explores calcium zincate (CaZn₂(OH)₆·2H₂O) as an additive to zinc anodes to mitigate failure mechanisms such as passivation, shape change, and zincate crossover—issues that traditionally limit zinc battery performance at high utilization. By developing and testing CaZn-modified anode formulations under industrially relevant conditions, Patrick aims to enhance electrode stability and reversibility, enabling safer, non-flammable, and economically viable alternatives to lithium-ion systems for grid-scale renewable energy integration.