Research and Innovation in Critical Materials Supply Chain
Evan Leon
Senior Project Manager at Toyota Tsusho America, Inc
Evan Leon is a Senior Project Manager at Toyota Tsusho America, Inc., a global leader in supply chain management, procurement, and logistics. In this role, he manages battery-related projects and directly supports Toyota Battery Manufacturing, North Carolina (TBMNC), a $13.9B battery manufacturing joint venture between Toyota Tsusho and Toyota Motor North America. He is responsible for overseeing projects that align with and grow the company’s Circular Economy, Supply Chain and Green Infrastructure divisions.
Prior to joining Toyota Tsusho, Evan spent nearly a decade in battery supply chain procurement and strategy roles at major automotive manufacturers and raw material producers.
Evan earned his bachelor’s degree (BA) from Duke University and his dual graduate degree (MBA/MS) from the University of Michigan’s Stephen M. Ross School of Business and School for Environment and Sustainability.
Wencai Zhang
Associate Professor, Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering, Virginia Tech
Dr. Wencai Zhang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering at Virginia Tech. His primary research focuses on mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, and the extraction and purification of critical minerals. Over the past few years, he has led or co-led more than 25 externally funded research projects, with a PI share exceeding $9 M, focused on critical mineral recovery from various sources, including both primary and secondary feedstocks. His research findings have been published in over 80 peer reviewed journal articles and contributed to the establishment of the first rare earth pilot plant in Kentucky. He serves on the editorial boards of several journals related to extractive metallurgy. He has received several prestigious awards, including the Outstanding Young Engineer Award from the MPD of SME and recognition as a Fellow of Scialog SM3.
Matthew Craps, PhD
Principal Scientist & Team Lead, Advanced Materials and Process Technology, Savannah River National Laboratory
Dr. Matthew Craps is a Principal Scientist & Team Lead in the Advanced Materials and Process Technology group at Savannah River National Laboratory and has significant expertise with experimental and computational efforts for directed electromagnetic systems like induction and microwave heating in a variety of high-throughput composite and catalytic processes. Dr. Craps has a bachelor’s of science in Physics from Clemson University and a PhD in Nanoscience from the School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and has over 20 years’ experience with composite manufacture, R&D, industrial waste streams, critical material recovery, program management, extensive materials characterization, reactor flow systems, and directed electromagnetic energy process intensification.
Sheeba Dawood
Co-Founder and CEO, Minerva Lithium
Sheeba Dawood is a visionary entrepreneur and scientist driving sustainable solutions in critical minerals and battery materials. As the Co-Founder & CEO of Minerva Lithium, she leads groundbreaking advancements in Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) and battery recycling, revolutionizing the North American supply chain for lithium, nickel, and cobalt. With a Ph.D. in Nanoscience from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Sheeba has dedicated her career to developing cutting-edge sorbent-based technologies for lithium recovery. Under her leadership, Minerva Lithium has secured over $1 million in non-dilutive funding, won the TechCrunch Startup Battlefield, and built key partnerships to scale innovative precursor cathode active material (PCAM) production. Beyond her role at Minerva, Sheeba is deeply engaged in policy, sustainability, and community leadership. She serves as a member of the Community Sustainability Council for the City of Greensboro. Her expertise has been recognized at prestigious industry events, including Fast markets, Battery Innovation, and the Critical Minerals Forum in Washington, D.C. A passionate advocate for women in STEM and entrepreneurship, Sheeba actively mentors emerging leaders and serves as the Chair of the Women Chemists Committee (WCC) at ACS Greensboro. Her contributions to science, sustainability, and leadership have earned her several accolades, including: 40 Under 40 Honoree – Triad Business Journal (2024), Outstanding Women in Business Award – Recognized for leadership and innovation in the mineral sector. She continues to push boundaries in technology, sustainability, and economic growth, shaping the future of clean energy and critical mineral innovation.
Alla Letfullina
Research Scientist at Reynolds American Inc.
Dr. Alla Letfullina graduated with a Ph. D. in Nanoscience from University of North Carolina Greensboro in 2021. Her dissertation focused on improving ionic conductivity as well as thermal and mechanical stability of solid polymer electrolyte for lithium-ion batteries. During her research she has studied various additives (such as plastic crystal, ceramic electrolytes, and MOFs) and their effects on polymer electrolytes. Part of her work has involved fabrication of coin and pouch full lithium-ion cells to test the cyclability of solid polymer electrolytes. She has expertise in battery material characterization and synthesis. Alla joined Reynolds American in 2019 where she currently works as a Master Scientist in the Vapor Deploy department. Part of her role involves testing battery cell quality, ensuring proper battery management design, and that the products comply with various consumer electronics and battery certifications.
