John Liu has pioneered a remarkable project that utilizes agricultural byproducts like corn stalks and wheat straw to innovate lithium recovery methods. His technique leverages plant-based scaffolds to effectively concentrate lithium from dilute brines. Through his groundbreaking work, Liu garnered accolades at both state and international science fairs, showcasing a sustainable pathway for reclaiming essential battery materials and underscoring the role of agricultural waste in advancing environmental engineering solutions.