BenU Faculty since 2017

Ph.D. University of South Florida (2012)
M.S. University of South Florida (2010)
B.S. St. Cyril and Methodius University, Republic of Macedonia (2005)

Courses Taught
College Physics I and II, College Physics I and II Laboratories, University Physics, Modern Physics Laboratory, Classical Thermodynamics, Physical Chemistry Laboratory

Research Areas

Photovoltaics, Batteries, Renewable Energy, Thermoelectricity

Awards and Recognition

• Carnegie Postdoctoral Fellowship, Carnegie Institution for Science, Washington, D.C. 2013-2015
• Outstanding Dissertation Award, University of South Florida, 2012
• DAAD Fellowships, 2011

Recent Publications

• M. Guerette, M. D. Ward, K. A. Lokshin, A. T. Wong, H. Zhang, S. Stefanoski, O. Kurakevych, Y. Le Godec, S. J. Juhl, N. Alem, Y. Fei, and T. A. Strobel, “Synthesis and Properties of Single-crystalline Na₄Si₂₄”, Cryst. Growth. Des., 18, 7410, (2018).
• S. Stefanoski, G. J. Finkelstein, M. D. Ward, T. Zeng, K. Wei, E. S. Bullock, C. M. Beavers, H. Liu, G. S. Nolas, and T. A. Strobel, “Zintl ions within framework channels: the complex structure and low-temperature transport properties of Na₄Ge₁₃”, Inorg. Chem. 57, 2002 (2018).
• S. Stefanoski, H. Liu, Y. Yao, and T. A. Strobel, “Ambient-Pressure Polymerization of Carbon Anions in the High-Pressure Phase Mg₂C”, Inorg. Chem. 54, 10761 (2015).
• D. Y. Kim, S. Stefanoski, O. O. Kurakevych, and T. A. Strobel, “Synthesis of an open-framework allotrope of silicon”, Nature Materials,14, 169 (2015).
• A. Biswas, S. Chandra, S. Stefanoski, J. S. Blázquez, J. J. Ipus, A. Conde, M. H. Phan, V. Franco, G. S. Nolas, and H. Srikanth, “Enhanced cryogenic magnetocaloric effect in Eu₈Ga₁₆Ge₃₀ clathrate nanocrystals”, J. Appl. Phys. 117, 033903 (2015).
• H. J. Jakobsen, H. Bildsøe, M. Beekman, S. Stefanoski, G. S. Nolas, and C. R. Bowers, “Low temperature ²³Na MAS NMR reveals dynamic effects and compositions for the large and small channels in the zeolite-like Ge-framework of Na_1-xGe_3+z materials”, J. Phys. Chem. C 118, 49 (2014).
• S. Stefanoski, M. Beekman, and G. S. Nolas, “Inorganic Clathrates for Thermoelectric Applications” in The Physics and Chemistry of Inorganic Clathrates, Edited by G. S. Nolas, Springer, (2014).
• S. Bühler-Paschen, S. Stefanoski and G.S. Nolas, “Structural and physical properties of rare-earth clathrates” in The Physics and Chemistry of Inorganic Clathrates, Edited by G. S. Nolas, Springer, (2014).
• S. Stefanoski, Y. Dong, and G. S. Nolas, “Structural characterization and low-temperature physical properties of p-type single-crystal K₈Ga_8.5Sn_37.5 grown by self-flux method”, J. Solid State Chem. 204, 166 (2013).
• S. Stefanoski, M. Blosser, and G. S. Nolas, “Pressure-mediated synthesis of type-I and II Si-clathrates using Spark Plasma Sintering”, Cryst. Growth Des. 13, 195 (2013).
• S. Stefanoski, C. D. Malliakas, M. G. Kanatzidis, and G. S. Nolas, “Synthesis and structural characterization of Na_xSi₁₃₆ (0 < x ≤ 24) single crystals and low-temperature transport of polycrystalline specimens”, Inorg. Chem. 51, 8686 (2012).
• A. Chaturvedi, S. Stefanoski, M. H. Phan, G. S. Nolas, and H. Srikanth, “Table-like magnetocaloric effect and enhanced refrigerant capacity in Eu8Ga16Ge30-EuO composite materials”, J. Appl. Phys. 99, 162513 (2011).
• S. Stefanoski and G. S. Nolas, “Synthesis and structural characterization of single-crystal K_7.5Si₄₆ and K_17.8Si₁₃₆ clathrates”, Cryst. Growth Des. 11, 4533 (2011).
• M. H. Phan, V. Franco, A. Chaturvedi, S. Stefanoski, G. S. Nolas, and H. Srikanth, “Origin of the magnetic anomaly and tunneling effect of europium on the ferromagnetic ordering in Eu₈Ga₁₆Ge₃₀ type I clathrate”, Phys. Rev. B 84, 054436, (2011).
• S. Stefanoski, M. Beekman, W. Wong-Ng, P. Zvalij, and G. S. Nolas, “A Simple approach for Selective Crystal Growth of Intermetallic Clathrates”, Chem. Mater. 23, 1491, (2011).
• S. Stefanoski, J. Martin, and G. S. Nolas, “Low-temperature transport properties and heat capacity of single-crystal Na₈Si₄₆”, J. Phys.: Cond. Matter. 22, 485404 (2010).
• M. H. Phan, V. Franco, A. Chaturvedi, S. Stefanoski, H. Kirby, G.S. Nolas, and H. Srikanth, “Magnetocaloric effect and refrigerant capacity in Sr-doped Eu₈Ga₁₆Ge₃₀ type-I clathrates”, J. Appl. Phys. 107, 09A910, (2010).
• M. Beekman, S. Stefanoski, J. A. Kaduk, Q. Huang, W. Wong-Ng, Z. Yang, C. Bowers, and G. S. Nolas, “Structure and thermal conductivity of Na_1-xGe_3+z”, J. Solid State Chem. 183, 1272, (2010).
• S. Stefanoski, L.N. Reshetova, A.V. Shevelkov, and G.S. Nolas, “Low-temperature transport properties of Sn₂₄P_19.3Br₈ and Sn₁₇Zn₇P₂₂Br₈”, J. Electron. Mater. 38, 985 (2009).
• S. Stefanoski, A. V. Shevelkov, and G. S. Nolas, “Transport Properties of Sn₂₄P_19.3Br₈ and Sn₁₇Zn₇P₂₂Br₈”, Developments in Strategic Materials: Ceramic Engineering and Science Proceedings, 29, Issue 10 (2009).
• M.H. Phan, G.T. Woods, A. Chaturvedi, S. Stefanoski, G.S. Nolas and H. Srikanth, “Long-range ferromagnetism and giant magnetocaloric effect in type VIII Eu₈Ga₁₆Ge₃₀ Clathrates”, Appl. Phys. Lett. 93, 252505 (2008).
• J. Martin, S. Stefanoski, L. Wang, L. Chen and G.S. Nolas, “Synthesis and Thermoelectric Properties of Lead Chalcogenide Nanocomposites”, Mat. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc. 1044, 13 (2008).
• S. Stefanoski, Solved Problems in Physics, ISBN 9989-2597-0-4. Center for advanced education PI-SI, Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia, (2005).

Peer-Reviewed and Invited Presentations

• “Zintl Ions within Framework Channels: the Complex Structure and Thermoelectric Properties of Na₄Ge₁₃”, S. Stefanoski and T. A. Strobel, International Conference on Thermoelectrics, ICT 2018, Caen, France, July 1 – 5, 2018.
• “Quest for Materials for Renewable Energy Applications”, S. Stefanoski, Invited talk, Tech Talks 2016, Oregon Institute of Technology, May 6, 2016.
• “Magnetocaloric effect in type-I Eu₈Ga₁₆Ge₃₀ clathrate nanocrystals”, A. Biswas, S. Chandra, S. Stefanoski, J.S. Blázquez, J.J. Ipus, A. Conde, M.H. Phan, V. Franco, G.S. Nolas, and H. Srikanth, 20th International Conference on Magnetism, Barcelona, Spain, July 5-10, 2015.
• “High Pressure Synthesis and Electronic Properties of NaGe₃”, S. Stefanoski and T. A. Strobel, Gordon Research Conference (GRC), University of New England, Biddeford, ME, June 22-27, 2014.
• “New Allotrope of Silicon for Solar Cell Applications”, S. Stefanoski, D. Y. Kim, A. Kurakevych, and T. Strobel, MRS 2014 Spring Meeting, San Francisco, CA, April 21-25, 2014.
• “Crystal-Growth and Structure-Property Relationships of Inorganic Clathrates”, S. Stefanoski, Invited talk, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids, Dresden, Germany, February 4, 2013.
• “Thermoelectric clathrates: Synthesis, Structural and Physical Properties Investigations and Prospect for Thermoelectric and Magnetocaloric Applications”, S. Stefanoski, Invited talk, St. Cyril and Methodius University, Department of Physics, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia, February 14, 2013.
• “Synthesis and Physical Properties of Partially-Filled Clathrates and Clathrates for Magnetocaloric Applications”, S. Stefanoski and G. S. Nolas, MRS 2012 Fall Meeting, Boston, MA, November 25-30, 2012.
• “Synthetic Approaches in Materials Research: Crystal-Growth and Structure-Property Relationships in Inorganic Clathrates”, S. Stefanoski, M. C. Blosser, and G. S. Nolas, Florida Solid State Chemistry Workshop, Tallahassee, FL, October 28-30, 2012.
• “Novel Clathrate-based Composite Materials for Energy-efficient Magnetic Refrigeration”, A. Chaturvedi, S. Stefanoski, G. S. Nolas, H. Srikanth, and M.-H. Phan, Invited talk, 19^th International Conference on Magnetism with Strongly Correlated Electron Systems”, Bexco, Busan, Korea, July 8-13, 2012.

• “Application of Mathematics in Physics and Science” – series of six invited lectures with the Department of Mathematics, S. Stefanoski, Department of Mathematics, University of Tampa, Tampa, FL, January – August 2012.

• “Doing Research in the Materials Science Field: Expectations, Challenges, Perspectives…”, Invited talk with the Society of Physics Students, S. Stefanoski, Department of Physics, Hillsborough Community College, Tampa, FL, 2010.
• “Some Applications of Derivatives in Physics”, S. Stefanoski, Gulf High School, New Port Richey, FL, Invited talks with the students of the Math class, 2010.
• “Structure-property Relationships in Type I and II Si Clathrates”, S. Stefanoski, M. Beekman and G. S. Nolas, MRS 2010 Fall Meeting, Solid State Chemistry Symposium, Boston, MA, November 29-December 3, 2010.
• “Transport Properties of Partially-filled Single Crystal type II Si Clathrates”, S. Stefanoski and G. S. Nolas, MRS 2010 Fall Meeting, Thermoelectric Symposium, Boston, MA, November 29-December 3, 2010.
• “Ferromagnetism and Magnetocaloric Effect in Clathrates and Composites”, H. Srikanth, A. Chaturvedi, M. H. Phan, S. Stefanoski, G. S. Nolas, 55th MMM Conference, Atlanta ,GA, November 14-18, 2010.
• “Synthesis and Transport Properties of Alkali-Germanium and Tin Open-Framework Materials”, S. Stefanoski, M. Beekman, L. N. Reshetova, A. V. Shevelkov, and G. S. Nolas, International Conference on Thermoelectrics, Corvallis, OR, 2008.
• “Transport properties of Sn₂₄P_19.3Br₈ and Sn₁₇Zn₇P₂₂Br₈”, S. Stefanoski, A. V. Shevelkov, and G. S. Nolas, 32nd International Conference & Exposition on Advanced Ceramics & Composites, Daytona Beach, FL, December 2008.
• “Transport Properties of Lead Chalcogenide Nanocomposites”, G. S. Nolas, J. Martin, S. Stefanoski, L. Wang, L. Chen, American Physical Society March Meeting, New Orleans, LA, March 10-14, 2008.

Current Research Projects

Project 1: Batteries for biomedical applications

Batteries can be used as power sources for motorized wheelchairs, surgical tools, cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators, dynamic prostheses, sensors and monitors for physiological parameters, neurostimulators, devices for pain relief, iontophoresis, electroporation, and related devices for drug administration. Students investigate the types of battery chemistries used for biomedical applications and test their properties by using instrumentals such as potentiostats/galvanostats.

Project 2: Batteries for electric vehicles

This project involves testing of batteries for electric (EV) or hybrid-electric (HEV) vehicles. Although the testing of batteries is on a laboratory-scale, the project is intended to mimic the activities of engineers in companies and national laboratories designing batteries for EVs. Properties such as battery capacity, voltage and current during charging and discharging, are investigated. The effects of temperature and mechanical stresses on the performance of the battery are analyzed. Impedance Spectroscopy is employed to measure properties such as internal resistance in order to assess the “state of health” of energy storage systems.

Project 3: Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs)

This is one of the latest promising solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies, focused on the design of solar cells that are light, inexpensive, transparent, and have the potential of achieving desirable efficiencies. The DSSCs are assembled and their electrochemical properties measured. The investigation is aimed toward identifying inexpensive and abundant dyes which allow for an efficient solar-to-electrical energy conversion.

Project 4: Standalone solar PV system for health clinics or schools in remote areas

The project focuses on designing solar PV systems for health clinics or schools in remote areas, where no alternative sources of power are available. The project encompasses understanding of the operation and properties of solar cells, the components of solar PV systems (solar panels, batteries, inverters, charge controllers, etc.), and incorporating them into a final design. This project is suitable for students across a range of disciplines and majors: those interested in the engineering aspects of the design, as well as those interested in the humanitarian aspect of it, for example delivering power to areas where it is either inaccessible or prohibitively expensive.

Current and Former Research Students

• Wamuyu Munyiri, 2019, Biochemistry/Molecular Biology
• Saad Hazari, 2019, Health Science
• Daniel Aguilera, 2018, Electrical Engineering

Stefan Stefanoski, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Physical Sciences
[email protected]

Students at Benedictine University are offered the opportunity to conduct a state-of-art research by using equipment and methodologies similar to that used in modern R&D laboratories across the industry, such as potentiostats/galvanostats and solar simulators. Their research activities will meet the following objectives: analyzing the benefits from the renewable energy technologies, understanding the fundamental scientific principles behind them, learning and applying theoretical knowledge in real-time applications, hands-on measurements by using state-of-art equipment, and preparing students to enter the job market as skilled professionals or enroll in graduate schools with an advanced knowledge and experience in designing and conducting experiments.

Project 1: Batteries for biomedical applications: Batteries can be used as power sources for motorized wheelchairs, surgical tools, cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators, dynamic prostheses, sensors and monitors for physiological parameters, neurostimulators, devices for pain relief, iontophoresis, electroporation, and related devices for drug administration. Students will investigate the types of battery chemistries used for biomedical applications and test their properties (charge/discharge cycling, internal resistance, operation in hot and humid environments, etc.).

Project 2: Batteries for electric vehicles: This project is suitable for students majoring in engineering, physics, and/or chemistry, as it focuses on testing batteries used in electric (EV) or hybrid-electric (HEV) vehicles. Even though this project involves testing batteries on a laboratory-scale, it is intended to mimic the activities of engineers in companies and national labs who design batteries for EVs. Properties such as battery capacity and voltage will be investigated as function of cycling (charge/discharge). The effects of temperature variations and mechanical stress on the performance of the battery will be analyzed. Impedance Spectroscopy and Nyquist plot-analysis will be implemented to measure the internal resistance and assess the “state of health” of a battery.

Project 3: Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs): This is one of the latest promising solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies, focused on the design of solar cells that are light, inexpensive, transparent, and have the potential of achieving desirable efficiencies. The DSSCs will be assembled and their electrical properties measured. Various types of dyes will be tested in order to identify the inexpensive and abundant ones that will help us pave the road toward the next-generation low-cost and high-efficiency solar PV technology.

Project 4: Standalone solar PV system for health clinics or schools in remote areas: The project will focus on designing a solar PV system for a health clinic or a school in a remote area, where no alternative sources of power are available. The project will encompass understanding of the operation and properties of solar cells, the components of a typical solar PV system (solar panels, batteries, inverters, charge controllers, etc.), and incorporating them into a final design. This project is suitable for students across a range of disciplines and majors: those interested in the engineering aspects of the design, as well as those interested in its humanitarian aspect, for example by delivering power to areas in third-world countries where power is either inaccessible or prohibitively expensive.