In a special moment for the NC State Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE), Abdullah Al Shafe and Sabila Pinky announced their successful doctoral defenses together.
Abdullah Al Shafe defended his thesis, “Organic Solar Cell Designs to Improve Mechanical Resilience,” on January 24, 2025. He worked under the guidance of his advisor, Professor Brendan O’Connor, from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and MSE Professor Yaroslava Yingling served on his thesis committee. His research focuses on enhancing the mechanical resilience of organic solar cells, which could significantly impact renewable energy solutions in the future.
On February 19, 2025, Sabila Pinky followed with her successful thesis defense, “Molecular Understanding of the Self-Assembly of Complex Functional Materials.” Sabila’s research, advised by Yingling, explores the self-assembly and morphology of complex functional materials to better understand their properties. This work can potentially influence a wide range of industries, including biomedical, optoelectronics, and nanotechnology.
Both students, who have spent several years working alongside one another at NC State, expressed deep gratitude for the support they received throughout their academic journeys and for the collaborative atmosphere fostered by their respective advisors. The couple chose to commemorate their milestone achievements with a special photo session at the university’s renowned James B. Hunt Library, a symbol of knowledge, innovation, and the future of research.
“We’re incredibly proud to be part of the NC State community and to have had the opportunity to work with such amazing professors and researchers,” said Al Shafe. “It feels surreal to both be completing our doctoral work together.”
Sabila Pinky echoed similar sentiments, adding, “This has been an unforgettable journey, and it’s wonderful to share this moment with Abdullah. We’ve grown so much both personally and professionally during our time at NC State.”
The couple’s success not only marks a significant milestone for the MSE Department but also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in scientific research. As they look ahead to new opportunities and challenges in the field, Abdullah and Sabila are poised to make an even greater impact in the world of materials science.
This post was originally published in Department of Materials Science and Engineering.
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