Esther Takeuchi, a leading scientist with over 150 patents, focuses on advancing safe and efficient energy storage. A recipient of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, she works at Stony Brook University and Brookhaven National Laboratory. Takeuchi emphasizes the importance of reducing energy waste and highlights the need to develop nonflammable and water-based batteries. With AI’s growing energy demands, she calls for diverse energy sources. She also warns that uncertain U.S. science funding could lead to a brain drain, urging continued investment in research and community involvement in energy projects to ensure safety and drive future innovation.