Meet a Nilar Employee – Elsa Lindström
What is your job title?
Master Thesis Student at the Chemistry Department
How would you describe yourself?
I would describe myself as a very happy, social and ambitious person. I’ve always been interested in learning new things.Therefore I have a big urge to understand how things operate. I also believe that I’m a very caring person and always aim to keep people around me in a good mood.
What led you to work in the energy storage industry?
Since a young age, I have taken climate change and environmental questions very seriously. I grew up in the countryside, nature has therefore been a big and important part of my life. It’s something I’ve always valued highly, and my interest in green energy sources and energy storage grew even further when I was in high school. During that time, I concluded that I wanted to work within a green company in the future. For a long time, I’ve had the urge to contribute to the necessary transition that needs to be done in the nearest future in order to reach the climate goals. At Uppsala University I had several courses where they talked a lot about secondary batteries and energy storage and that’s when I decided that this is something I want to work with.
How did your journey with Nilar begin?
I heard about Nilar when I did a project during my third year at Uppsala University. I kept the name in mind, and during the spring of 2021, when I was in my fourth year, I contacted Nilar to see if they could offer me a summer job, which they did. After two summers working at Nilar I started my master thesis project in September 2022. Upon completion of my master thesis project with Nilar, I was offered a full-time position at the company. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to continue working with such an innovative organization.
What is the coolest thing you are working on right now?
I’m currently working a lot on the positive electrode and how its performance can be improved. This includes understanding the materials that we use today through material characterization, but also looking at new materials for optimization of the positive electrode. Apart from this I’m also digging deeper into some of the results seen in my master thesis project which still remain unsolved.
What motivates you?
The biggest motivator for me is to learn and understand more about certain issues but also have these amazing colleagues that make my workdays fun and inspiring. It keeps me going! Apart from that, it’s safe to say that secondary batteries will continue to become more important for the energy transition. This is definitely something that motivates me; to be able to contribute with solutions for a greener future.
Your favorite movie/television show?
Stranger Things is one of my favorite TV shows. It’s almost too scary for me to watch alone in the evening, but it is too good not to. I love the music and the choice of time periods in the show. It brings a feeling of nostalgia and has a perfect balance of love, drama, horror, sadness and happiness.
A secret talent or special skill?
It might not be a secret, but I can make really delicious Bao Buns and homemade dumplings.
What’s the best thing about working at Nilar?
The best thing about Nilar is all the amazing colleagues and the way they’re always supporting one another. I gain new insights every day; knowledge and deeper understanding of the battery chemistry and how everything is connected. I also find it very inspiring to work for a company that has a great importance for the future.