CMI Leadership Academy, Cohort 7

The CMI Leadership Academy Cohort 7 call for nominations was announced in October 2025, with nominations/self-nominations due by November 14, and a decision by December 12. Members began working together in January 2026 with a virtual meeting. Expected effort is approximately 100 hours. Requirements for completion

The Critical Materials Innovation Hub selected 10 early and mid-career researchers for CMI Leadership Academy Cohort 7, which met virtually in January and in-person during the CMI Winter Meeting in February, where the group served as judges for the 24 posters presented, and participated in leadership development and science communication activities.

CMI Leadership Academy Cohort 7, with mentors from Colorado School of Mines and Idaho National Laboratory and a DOE guest.
CMI Leadership Academy Cohort 7 ten members are shown with mentors from Colorado School of Mines and Idaho National Laboratory and a DOE guest. Standing, from left: CMI Deputy Director Rod Eggert, Colorado School of Mines; Sherif Khalifa, National Laboratory of the Rockies; CMI Education & Workforce Development Manager Ruby Nguyen, Idaho National Laboratory; Hur Abbas, University of Texas, Arlington; Alejandro Garciadiego, National Energy Technology Laboratory; Janaka Wijenayake, Missouri S&T; Lun An, Ames National Laboratory; and Iam Gaieck, U.S. Department of Energy. Seated, from left: Karuna Sajeevan, Ames; Lauren Ward, INL; Alison Fritz, NETL; EWD Manager Celeste Stroup, Mines; Taylor Quinn, Argonne National Laboratory; and Shoaib Khan, University of Arizona.

For questions related to the CMI Leadership Academy, please e-mail Ruby Nguyen, Idaho National Laboratory, ruby.nguyen@inl.gov.