LACIE SILVA
Writer
As part of its ongoing mission to be a responsible and invested corporate citizen, Duksan Electera America has awarded scholarships to four exceptional local high school seniors, supporting their pursuit of higher education and future careers in fields that promise to make a lasting impact.
The scholarship recipients—Krisha Patel, Carlie Belle Barber, McKenzie Webb, and Itzel Aguilar—were selected not only for their academic achievements but also for their leadership, ambition, and dedication to service. Each student reflects the kind of promise and potential that Duksan Electera aims to nurture as it deepens its roots in Tennessee.
Duksan Electera is a subsidiary of Duksan Group, a Korea-based conglomerate with a longstanding history in the chemical and materials industries. Its specialties span solder balls, semiconductor materials, display materials, and secondary battery materials. The group’s American expansion began with the establishment of Duksan Electera America in January 2022, following the launch of its Korean facility in 2023.
In 2024, Duksan completed its U.S. facility in Tennessee, now the largest single electrolyte manufacturing facility in the nation by production capacity. Since its Grand Opening Ceremony earlier this year, the plant has been actively supplying electrolyte products to battery manufacturers across the United States.
But even as the company scales nationally, its leadership is deeply committed to growing alongside the community it now calls home.
“Duksan Electera aims to grow together with the community as a responsible member of society,” company representatives shared. “As part of this, we hope to make a small contribution by supporting the youth, who can contribute greatly to the community in the future.”
Each of the four scholarship recipients has demonstrated a strong academic record, personal determination, and a commitment to service:
Krisha Patel plans to attend the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, to major in Neuroscience on a pre-med track. Her ultimate goal is to become a neonatologist, a career dedicated to the care of newborns. Krisha’s academic accolades include Outstanding Academic Achievement in Algebra 2 and Geometry, Academic Excellence in multiple AP and dual enrollment courses, and regional recognition in HOSA medical competitions. She also served as a Girls’ State Delegate.
Carlie Belle Barber will attend Middle Tennessee State University to major in Elementary Education. Carlie served as Student Body President and was active in numerous leadership roles, including being a Girls’ State Delegate, a SCOPE Delegate for two years, and Vice President on the State Board of SCOPE. She also received the George Eastman Award for Good Citizenship and is a member of the National Honor Society.
McKenzie Webb is set to begin her college journey at Motlow State Community College, where she will major in Nursing. Her high school accomplishments include Academic Excellence in AP World History, English, Art, Spanish, and Chemistry. She also earned the Most Improved Award in English 1 and Outstanding Achievement in Honors Geometry.
Itzel Aguilar plans to study Early Childhood Education at Middle Tennessee State University. She is a recipient of the FFA State Degree and has been honored with Academic Excellence in courses ranging from Biology and English to Large Animal Science and Statistics. Her dedication to education and agriculture demonstrates her versatility and work ethic.
Through these scholarships, Duksan Electera reinforces its belief that community development and business success go hand in hand. By empowering young people with educational opportunities, the company is investing not only in individual futures but in the broader future of the region.
As the Duksan Tennessee facility continues to grow as a hub of innovation and manufacturing excellence, it does so with a clear message: sustainable progress must include supporting the dreams and aspirations of the next generation.
This inaugural class of scholarship recipients stands as a testament to what’s possible when industry and education intersect in meaningful ways. And for Duksan Electera, this is just the beginning.
