Case Summary:      

Behind the sleek, flexible screens and energy-storing devices of tomorrow are today’s scientists—those unraveling how atoms behave, rearrange, and perform. One such scientist, originally from Kazakhstan, recently secured approval under the EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) program, recognizing not just her achievements in materials science but the national value of her continued work.

This researcher has built a strong reputation through her focus on atomic-scale surface engineering and thin film synthesis, specifically with applications in sustainable energy, electronics, and superconducting technologies. Her work offers cutting-edge methods to manipulate materials for higher conductivity, better energy storage, and greater device flexibility.

Precision Science, Tangible Impact

The client’s investigations into the structure and oxidation behavior of niobium and layered two-dimensional materials have implications for quantum computing, superconducting accelerators, and medical technologies. For example, she uncovered how oxygen exposure affects niobium surfaces—insights directly used to optimize superconducting radiofrequency cavities for major physics research labs. Her additional work on PtTe₂ thin films revealed five types of electronic point defects, each with its quantum behavior, providing a roadmap for improved electronic device performance.

Her contributions go beyond theory. One of her peer-reviewed studies has been used by researchers at the German Electron Synchrotron to fine-tune annealing processes in high-energy particle accelerator technology—an example of direct scientific application in national and global research infrastructure.

A Global Voice in Materials Science

With 31 peer-reviewed publications, 544 citations, and numerous appearances in top-tier journals like Nature Electronics, Nature Communications, and Advanced Functional Materials, her track record reflects both originality and reach. Her studies rank in the top 1–10% of most cited materials science articles for their publication years. Her paper on 4D-printed MXene hydrogels for energy storage, for instance, has been cited 85 times and published in a journal with an impact factor of 16.6.

Her research has been cited by leading institutions across 48 countries, including the University of Southern California, the University of Cambridge, Seoul National University, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Such reach validates her influence on topics ranging from UV protection coatings and bioelectronic implants to neuromorphic computing and hydrogen production.

Peer Recognition and Leadership

Her standing in the field is further confirmed by her service as a reviewer for 13 scientific journals, including ACS Applied Nano Materials, IEEE Electron Device Letters, and Crystals. She also served as a guest editor for Sustainability, curating a special issue on functional nanocomposites. These roles indicate trust and authority—qualities that peer-reviewed publications reserve for researchers with proven technical expertise and impact.

Her work has attracted competitive research funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Programme, the Irish Research Council, and Science Foundation Ireland, all known for backing high-risk, high-reward innovation.

Endorsements from the Scientific Community

In a letter of support, an independent researcher at a University noted:

“Her work provides a powerful tool for material manipulation at the atomic level… most significantly, her research contributes to revealing the advantages of superconducting materials, with positive implications for power transmission, transportation, and medical technologies”.

Other experts highlighted her discoveries in MXene hydrogels and conductive polymer systems as breakthroughs supporting everything from flexible electronics to cardiac regeneration scaffolds.

Why This Case Was Approved

Filed in May 2024 and approved in April 2025, this EB-2 NIW petition highlighted how the client’s past research aligns with U.S. national interests in clean energy, advanced electronics, and quantum technologies. The evidence proved that:

• Her work is of substantial merit and national importance.
• She is well-positioned to continue making meaningful contributions in the U.S.
• And waiving the labor certification requirement is justified by the significance of her research to the national interest.

From quantum surfaces to flexible sensors, this case shows that materials science isn’t just about molecules—it’s about momentum. With her EB-2 NIW approved, this researcher now has the platform she needs to continue advancing innovation where it matters most.