Vasudha Kaura, a CivMin PhD student under the supervision of Prof. Minghan Xu, has received the Bert Wasmund Graduate Scholarships for Sustainable Energy Research 2026. The award is given to doctoral-stream graduate students at the University of Toronto specializing in sustainable energy technology.
Kaura is studying thermal energy storage and sustainable energy systems. With a focus on increasing storage efficiency and lowering reliance on traditional energy sources, her research concentrates on creating thermal energy-storage solutions for isolated and northern towns. Through experimental research, multi-scale modelling, and techno-economic and environmental optimization, the research dissertation examines the thermal performance of phase change material (PCM)-based cold thermal energy storage systems. The goal of the project is to create dependable and energy-efficient storage solutions for difficult climates by taking use of the naturally occurring cold temperatures in northern locations.
“I am incredibly grateful to the donors and the selection committee for funding my studies and giving the chance to work on projects that will help communities with particular energy problems find sustainable energy solutions,” says Kaura. “I am deeply grateful to my supervisor, Professor Minghan Xu, for his leadership, inspiration, and unwavering support always. I am inspired by this assistance to continue my research and turn it into significant and useful contributions to the field of sustainable energy.”