A researcher working on the next generation of solar cells has been named the first Delta Electronics Fellow in BGSU’s Center for Photochemical Sciences. Dr. Xichen Cai, a postdoctoral fellow, is a team member in the laboratory of Dr. Douglas Neckers, the center’s founder and executive director.

The fellowship is funded by the Delta Electronics Foundation, which was created in 1990 by Bruce C.H. Cheng, founder of the world’s leading switching power supply manufacturer. The foundation’s mission is to “foster the sustainable development of human society by supporting efforts in environmental protection, scientific advancement and education.”

The fellowship is available to senior-level doctoral or postdoctoral students of Chinese heritage in the photochemical sciences center who have the ability to conduct scientific research and development in a company devoted to addressing major societal technical issues such as energy, sustainable economic development and related issues.

Cai, a native of China, received a Ph.D. in physics in 1999 from the Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, in Lanzhou, China. Before joining BGSU a few months ago, he worked at the University of Osaka, Japan. He has published more than 60 papers. In the coming year, his research will include hybrid nanoparticle-polymer solar cells.

“Dr. Cai is an outstanding young scientist,” Neckers said. “He is developing new nanocatalyst systems for solar energy applications. I am delighted to see him appointed the first Delta Electronics Fellow.”

Delta has committed $50,000 a year for five years to the center for the fellowship program. Its purpose is to lay the groundwork for breakthrough discoveries and new technologies to provide innovative solutions to today’s technological challenges, and to promote equal access to education in Chinese communities.

With the Delta funding, Neckers said, the center will be able to continue to recruit the best and brightest to pursue careers in the photochemistry component of alternative energy sources, power efficiency and medical devices.