Cohort 2 (2023–2025)
Meet the innovators in West Gate's second cohort, learn about the technologies they developed during the program, and see how to support efforts to broadly deploy these important renewable energy advancements.
These innovators were supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office and Industrial Technologies Office.
Learn about Lisa Morey's efforts to integrate phase-change materials to enhance the operational performance of compressed earth blocks.
Supported by the Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office
Yaman Peksenar – Biodegradable Plastics
Yaman Peksenar worked on a unique form of biodegradable bioplastics for use in flexible films and soft plastics packaging.
Supported by the Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office
Pilanda Watkins-Curry worked to develop a mineral-extraction process to ensure clean global water security and increase energy supplies.
Supported by the Industrial Technologies Office and Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office
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Last Updated Feb. 20, 2026