Jesús E. Meléndez Gil Email & Phone Number

Boulder, Co, Us

Boulder, Colorado, United States

Golden, Colorado, United States

Worked on two main projects related to catalysis and sustainability. Experimental work focused on the synthesis and characterization of Dual Functional Materials (DFMs) for Reactive Carbon Capture (RCC) applications. Non-experimental worked focused on the development of preliminary data structures that could organize experimental catalysis data relating to synthesis, characterization, and performance testing into a searchable catalyst property database.

Co-lead the Propellant and Resource Acquisition Team in charge of the selection, design and optimization of a propellant production process. Using Martian subsurface water ice as the target resource, the team analyzed and designed the entirety of the required procedures to produce fuel (liquid methane and oxygen) to be used in future Martian missions. Our design was selected as part of 15 finalists to present at the 2022 NASA RASC-AL Forum in Cocoa Beach, Florida.

Mayaguez, Puerto Rico

Managed all chapter finances and bank accounts. Kept a detailed log of all transactions carried out including donations, sales, chapter fees, and activity expenses. Prepared and submitted a financial report at the end of the term to TBP HQ.

Mayaguez, Puerto Rico

Managed all chapter finances and bank accounts. Kept a detailed log of all transactions carried out including donations, sales, chapter fees, and activity expenses. Prepared and submitted a financial report at the end of the term to TBP HQ.

PR-SPRInT (NASA-MIRO) Project: Ni and Ni-Alloyed Catalysts for Production of Methane from CO2Synthesizing Ni-based catalysts for methane production via the Sabatier reaction as potential propellant for ISRU applications. Operating continuous fixed-bed reactor to evaluate kinetic and catalytic activity through low temperature production of methane from carbon dioxide. Characterizing catalyst properties through the use of in-situ DRIFTS and H2 TPR techniques.

Mayaguez, Puerto Rico

Evaluated critical aspects of the chemical reactions needed to produce hydrogen from water hydrolysis and methanol steam reformation with the lowest possible environmental impact. Identified important aspects of the integration of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells and methanol reformation processes to achieve a more efficient and sustainable energy production system.

UW-Madison 2021 Virtual REUAnalyzed experimental data from the partial oxidation of methane to methanol using Cu-SSZ-13 as a catalyst. Processed data from Raman, UV-VIS and FTIR spectroscopies using Origin software. Prepared and presented poster of my work during the project poster session.

University Of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez

Helped mostly freshmen students understand concepts and properly solve mathematical problems related to courses ranging from Precalculus to Differential Equations.Worked for 10 hours a week and engaging with an average of 15 students.

University Park, Pennsylvania

Investigated the effects of pH, isopropanol (IPA), and additives on the viscosities and particle sizes of different citrus fiber suspensions. Studied particle size distributions of different citrus fiber suspensions using dynamic light scattering (DLS). Analyzed cellulose microfibril orientation within the cell walls of different plant samples using sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy.

Designed planetary mission lifecycle process, from developing a science question and engineering design concept, through the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) with an interdisciplinary team. Investigated the surface of Mars and its components to find a suitable landing site of scientific importance. Developed the gondola-lander integration system and Earth testing procedure. Built and tested makeshift lander prototype. Awarded 3rd place out of 45 PDR team submissions.

Mayaguez, Puerto Rico

Red Eagle CompetitionAssigned to design a lander capable of delivering a ten-metric ton payload safely on the surface of Mars. Analyzed possible designs that would enable a satisfactory landing on the surface of the planet.

Bayamon, Puerto Rico

Planned and organized fundraising activities towards our Senior Prom. Informed the class during bimonthly meetings about pending fundraising activities and unsettled debts.

Bayamon, Puerto Rico

Accountable for the control, appearance, discipline and training of 96 cadets. Responsible for the promotion and expulsion of all cadets. Developed, coordinated and executed activities for the unit and the entire school body.

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Chemical Engineering

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Chemical Engineering, 4.00

Graduated Summa Cum Laude with various honors.