Ikenna Nlebedim is a scientist at Ames National Laboratory, deputy lead in the Critical Materials Innovation Hub, and an adjunct faculty member at Iowa State University. His work spans rare earth permanent magnets, lithium and cobalt recovery, and groundbreaking acid-free recycling methods. He also led the multi-institutional effort that produced the first made-in-America rare earth magnet in two decades, an achievement that drew national recognition and a string of innovation awards.
See the full story: Stars of ESC2025 in the Spotlight: Ikenna Nlebedim