CMI early career researcher hired by CMI Team member

four people, including CMI Project Lead Rohan Akolkar (third from left) with Ben Holcombe (second from left).
CMI Project Lead Rohan Akolkar (third from left) with Ben Holcombe (second from left).

CMI researchers at Case Western Reserve University conducted the research for this highlight

Achievement
CMI early career researcher Ben Holcombe, Case Western Reserve University, recently defended his doctoral thesis and was hired by CMI Team member MP Materials.

Significance and Impact

  • Holcombe says that his CMI-supported research played a significant role in his career development. 
  • He started work with CMI at Case Western as an undergraduate student, and continued as a graduate student working with Rohan Akolkar in a CMI project for molten salt electrowinning. He defended his Ph.D. thesis in October 2025. 
  • Holcombe started work with MP Materials in Fort Worth, Texas, in January 2026 as an Engineer, helping to secure America’s rare earth supply chain.

Hub Targets Addressed 

  • Training the critical materials workforce of the future
  • Providing the leaders, technical experts and skilled professionals needed by U.S. industry to assure supply chains