• Used density functional theory, molecular dynamics and kinetic modeling to explore fundamental heterogeneous catalytic pathways within solid oxide fuel cells and photochemical cells.• Synthesized novel metal and semiconductor nano-materials and composite photo-catalysts.• Designed, constructed and operated laboratory reactors to measure kinetics of novel catalysts for light-activated hydrogen production via water electrolysis ("water splitting").• Conducted finite difference time domain optical simulations to predict and model the optical properties of photo-active materials.• Supervised 2 undergraduate research projects.• Work resulted in 3 scientific presentation awards at regional and international conferences (1 oral presentation and 2 posters)• Primary or co-author of 5 peer-reviewed publications, including in JACS and Nature Materials.

Co-primary instructor for ChE 344, Reaction Engineering and Design. Prepared and presented class lectures, held weekly office hours, and prepared exams and weekly assignments. Managed a teaching team comprising a graduate student instructor, an undergraduate instructional aide and 4 undergraduate graders.Teaching Consultant with the Center for Research on Learning and Teaching North (College of Engineering). Provided training and mentoring for ~30 graduate teaching assistants and undergraduate instructional aides (IAs). Observed teaching assistants and provided feedback to improve in class teaching, student-teacher interaction and overall instructor effectiveness. Conducted workshops on teaching and learning styles.

Intern in the Environmental, Health, and Safety Department

Intern in the Environmental, Health, & Safety Department

Three-term co-op rotation during bachelors degree studies. Jan-May 2005: Co-op R&D engineer in the Acetyls Product Line, Acetic Acid Group at the Pasadena, Texas plant. Jan-May 2004: Co-op R&D engineer in the Polyvinyl Alcohol Product Line, Paper Applications Group at the Pasadena, Texas plant. May-Aug 2003: Co-op process engineer in the Waste Water Treatment and Utilities Unit at the Bishop, Texas plant.