UL Research Institutes Vice President, Dr. Jeevarajan Visits CALCE and Delivers Lecture

The Center for Advanced Life Cycle Engineering (CALCE) at the University of Maryland is a leader in advancing battery reliability and safety. Recognized for its expertise in battery reliability and safety, CALCE has been selected by UL Research Institutes (ULRI) for the Discoveries in Safety Grants program. The awarded project, “Strain Sensors for Early Detection of Gas Generation for Thermal Runaway Prevention,” aims to detect early signs of failure in lithium-ion batteries before hazardous events occur, addressing one of the most pressing challenges in modern energy storage. The joint effort focuses on identifying and validating early detection methods for gas generation associated with thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries. This partnership brings together leading researchers to address real-world safety concerns and support the development of safer, more reliable battery technologies.

As part of this partnership, Dr. Judith Jeevarajan, Vice President and Executive Director of the Electrochemical Safety Research Institute (ESRI) at UL Research Institutes, visited the University of Maryland to deliver a lecture on lithium-ion battery safety. During the lecture, Dr. Jeevarajan provided a detailed overview of failure mechanisms in lithium-ion batteries. She addressed major hazard scenarios, including overcharge, overdischarge, external and internal short circuits, and operation under extreme temperature conditions, and outlined mitigation strategies for each. She presented suppression strategies for thermal runaway and emphasized the importance of early hazard detection and risk mitigation in battery technologies. The lecture was attended by students, faculty, and researchers, who engaged in a lively discussion and gained insights directly applicable to ongoing research and development efforts.

Dr. Jeevarajan brings over 27 years of experience in battery science, with a specialization in lithium-ion systems. Her research spans thermal runaway, fire suppression, aging, and recycling of batteries, with a strong emphasis on developing safer battery technologies for spaceflight, aviation, and consumer applications.

To learn more about CALCE’s battery research, visit: https://calce.umd.edu/battery-research-overview.

For more information, please get in touch with Prof. Michael G. Pecht

Published June 6, 2025