Ella Williams Earns Prestigious NSF Fellowship, Reflects on FHU Foundation
“Freed-Hardeman prepared me in ways I didn’t fully understand until now,” FHU alumna Ella Willams said after receiving a fully funded graduate research fellowship from the National Science Foundation—a highly competitive award supporting top graduate researchers across the country.
Williams, who graduated in May 2025 with a degree in chemistry, said her experience at FHU played a critical role in her success, especially when it came to communicating her work.
“My experience there helped shape my personal essay,” she said. “In some ways, that mattered just as much as the research itself.”
Now pursuing her Ph.D. in Energy Science and Engineering, Williams is focused on improving battery technology—work that could help power everything from transportation to emergency energy systems. Her research centers on developing more efficient, high-performing batteries that can store more energy and operate more reliably.
Her interest in energy began at a young age and continued to grow during her time at FHU, where she was actively involved in research and presented her work at Scholars’ Day—an experience that helped strengthen her confidence in sharing complex ideas with others.
“That led me to ask, ‘Why is it this way—and can we do better?’” she said.
For Williams, her work is guided by more than curiosity—it’s rooted in purpose.
“As both a chemist and a Christian, I see it as my responsibility to wisely use what God has provided,” she said.
Williams has spent the past three years working alongside researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, building on internships she began as a student. Through those experiences, she discovered not only a passion for hands-on research, but also the value of collaboration and learning from others in the field.
Her doctoral program is expected to take about four and a half years to complete. Looking ahead, Williams hopes to continue her work at Oak Ridge, where she believes she can make a lasting difference through research that serves both people and the environment.
“I could see myself doing this for a lifetime,” she said.
