Engineering Intern
Current• Maintained and operated 60,000 L of algae raceway ponds at an 880 MW coal-fired power plant in Orlando, FL as part of $1.3 M Department of Energy grant. The goal of the project was to capture carbon emissions from the combustion of coal with algae. • Performed daily site operations, including flow rate measurements, pH probe calibrations and biomass harvesting dewatering and drying for the pilot-scale research site.• Wrote monthly and quarterly reports submitted to the Department of Energy detailing progress towards project deliverables and milestones.• Collaborated and communicated with site engineers and power plant employees to optimize biological processes.• Monitored pond performance using APHA Standard Methods and verified results with a rigorous quality control and quality assurance program. • Designed and executed experiments to optimize algae productivity, harvestability, and robustness through manipulation of dilution and harvesting schema.• Identified, isolated, and purified native filamentous algae strains in preparation for 16S sequencing.• Resolved technical problems by investigating root cause, analyzing data, identifying solutions, and recommending corrective action.• Calibrated and maintained laboratory equipment including pH and temperature probes.
