Co-advisors: Professors Paul J. Dauenhauer and Michael Tsapatsis

Selected to attend workshop for students with advanced professional degrees

• One of ten early career scientists selected from U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Energy Frontier Research Center (EFRC)• Pitch, interview, write, and review quarterly online newsletter distributed to broad scientific audience, including DOE researchers and program managers

• Investigated new organic probe molecules for acid site characterization of catalysts using Infrared (IR) spectroscopy• Characterized 15+ catalyst samples by analyzing IR spectrum to determine effects of content, manufacturing protocols, and doping modifications on catalyst acidity• Primary author of 25-page technical memo detailing analysis of spectrum data, key learnings, and methods for tool improvement

Professor C. Buddie Mullins' Solar Photoelectrochemistry (PEC) Lab• Synthesized, characterized, and analyzed bismuth oxysulfide as potential material for solar cells• Constructed liquid junction photoelectrochemical cells with regenerative electrolyte to test for increased current output and power conversion efficiency• Presented at two department-wide poster sessions and participated in weekly subgroup meetings

Professor Raja Laxminarayan's Plasma Fluid Dynamics Lab• Studied equilibrium and non-equilibrium plasma fluid dynamics by examining corona and streamer discharges• Evaluated plasma-assisted combustion to determine reactive importance of chemical composition of breakdown dynamics• Presented 30-minute oral presentation at college-wide event

• Evaluated synthetic fuels technology for application in refinery by building PRO/II models and conducting research on novel ways of increasing gasoline yield from process• Generated equipment list and utility summary for estimating CapEx, OpEx, and Discounted Cash Flow (DCF)• Developed a training guide for engineers and operators on how to use an in-house catalyst aging model by systematizing model input and consolidating critical information from operating manual

• Facilitated implementation of alternate chemical-mechanical polishing process, resulting in annual cost savings of $1M and increase in tool capacity by more than 25%• Proposed revision in tool pressure parameters to improve overall process efficiency by analyzing past system errors, thereby eliminating hour-long rework procedure