Sossina M. Haile

Ethiopian-American materials scientist pioneering sustainable solid oxide fuel cells.

Dr. Sossina M. Haile (born 1966) revolutionized solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology through her work at Northwestern University. Born in Ethiopia during political turmoil, she fled to the U.S. as a refugee, later earning a PhD from MIT.

Haile's breakthrough came with developing superprotonic acid-based fuel cells that operate at intermediate temperatures (200–300°C), dramatically improving efficiency compared to traditional 800°C systems. Her 2021 team created a ceramic fuel cell running on ammonia—a potential game-changer for carbon-free energy.

Beyond lab work, she co-founded Superior Solar Cells LLC to commercialize her inventions. As one of few Black women in advanced materials science, Haile actively mentors underrepresented groups through programs like the Materials Research Society. Her dual focus on clean energy and diversity reshapes both technology and academic culture.