Dr. Hsien-Hsin Chou (周憲辛)

Dr. Hsien-Hsin Chou is an Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Chemistry at Providence University (PU), Taiwan. He received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from National Taiwan University (NTU) under the supervision of Prof. Ying-Chih Lin. He later carried out postdoctoral research with Prof. Jiann-T’suen Lin at Academia Sinica and Prof. Chen-Yu Yeh at National Chung Hsing University. Since joining Providence University in 2018, Dr. Chou has founded and led the Inorganic & Optoelectronic Materials Laboratory, where the main research focus is on solar cells and energy storage materials. His group works on the design, synthesis, characterization, and theoretical understanding of functional materials for sustainable energy applications. Dr. Chou has published more than 50 papers in international peer-reviewed journals.

Research Focus (Intern-Friendly Overview)

Dr. Chou’s research covers both experimental and computational aspects of energy materials, including:

• Solar cells
  Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), perovskite solar cells, and organic optoelectronic materials
• Energy storage
  Organic electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries and related energy-storage systems
• Materials design & characterization
  Organic, inorganic, and hybrid materials for energy conversion and storage
• Computational chemistry (introductory to advanced)
  Density functional theory (DFT) calculations to understand material properties and guide experiments

Training Environment for International Interns

Dr. Chou’s laboratory provides a supportive and structured environment that is especially suitable for international interns and visiting students. Interns are not expected to have prior experience in all techniques; instead, they will receive step-by-step guidance and hands-on training.

Depending on the intern’s background and interests, training may include:

• Basic to advanced material synthesis
• Solar cell or battery-related experiments
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Introduction to DFT calculations and computational tools
• Scientific writing, presentation skills, and research ethics

The working language in the lab is English, and Dr. Chou places strong emphasis on clear communication, mutual respect, and collaborative learning.

Mentorship Philosophy

Dr. Chou is deeply committed to mentoring young researchers. He believes that research training should not only build technical skills, but also confidence, independence, and critical thinking. Interns are encouraged to ask questions, discuss ideas openly, and gradually take ownership of their projects.

Opportunities for International Interns

Dr. Chou actively welcomes motivated international interns who are interested in solar cells, energy storage, and materials chemistry. By joining his group, interns will:

• • Work on real research projects with clear goals
• • Gain practical laboratory and/or computational experience
• • Learn how fundamental chemistry connects to real-world energy technologies
• • Build a strong foundation for future graduate studies or research careers
• • Students with backgrounds in chemistry, materials science, physics, or related fields are especially encouraged to apply.

Join a Pioneering Journey in Renewable Energy Research

IIPP Internship at the Inorganic & Optoelectronic Materials Laboratory (I&OM Lab)

We warmly welcome ambitious and motivated students to join our research group through the International Internship Pilot Program (IIPP). This 3-month research internship offers hands-on training in next-generation solar cells and lithium-ion battery technologies, two of the most dynamic and strategically important energy research areas in Taiwan.

By the end of the program, interns will gain solid experimental and analytical experience, preparing them for graduate studies, academic research, or careers in the energy and materials industries.

Who We Are

• Inorganic & Optoelectronic Materials Laboratory (I&OM Lab)

1. Location: Department of Applied Chemistry, Providence University
2. The I&OM Lab is led by Dr. Hsien-Hsin Chou, Associate Professor of Applied Chemistry
3. The lab focuses on the design, synthesis, characterization, and theoretical understanding of functional materials for energy conversion and energy storage applications

• Our research emphasizes solar cells (including dye-sensitized and perovskite solar cells) and organic/inorganic materials for lithium-ion batteries, combining experimental work with computational insights

Research Focus (Intern-Friendly)

• Interns will participate in projects related to:

1. Solar cells
   Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), perovskite solar cells, and optoelectronic materials
2. Energy storage
   Organic electrode materials and functional components for lithium-ion batteries
3. Materials chemistry
   Organic, inorganic, and hybrid materials for energy applications
4. Computational support (optional)
   Introductory to intermediate DFT-based calculations for understanding material properties

• Projects are assigned according to the intern’s background and interests, with clear guidance and achievable goals.

Laboratory Facilities & Research Environment

• The I&OM Lab provides a well-equipped, collaborative, and supportive research environment, including access to:

1. Material synthesis & processing: Schlenk system, rotary evaporator, Glove box, ball mill, muffle furnace, hotplates
2. Optical & structural characterization: UV–Vis absorption and fluorescence spectrophotometers, alpha-step, AFM, SEM, TEM, TGA, powder XRD
3. Device fabrication & performance evaluation: Screen printer, electrochemical workstation, solar simulator and IPCE system

• Interns receive step-by-step training and are not expected to be familiar with all techniques at the beginning.

About the IIPP Internship at Our Lab

• Research Topic: Next-Generation Solar Cells & Lithium-Ion Battery Technologies
• Host Institution: Providence University, Taichung, Taiwan
• Duration: 3 months
• Eligibility: Students from Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, or related fields

What We Offer

• Hands-on training in state-of-the-art experimental and analytical techniques
• Full access to laboratory equipment and research materials
• Weekly group meetings and discussions to enhance scientific thinking and communication
• Opportunities to contribute to conference presentations or journal publications
• A friendly, English-speaking research environment suitable for international students

Mentorship & Learning Philosophy

Dr. Chou emphasizes patient mentorship, structured learning, and independent thinking. Interns are encouraged to ask questions, discuss ideas openly, and gradually develop confidence in research. The goal is not only to teach techniques, but also to help interns understand how chemistry and materials research contribute to real-world energy solutions.

Take the First Step

Join us at Providence University and become part of a research team dedicated to advancing global energy sustainability. We look forward to mentoring and collaborating with the next generation of scientists through this enriching IIPP internship experience.