‒ Studying Ni-based catalysts for the conversion of biogas – derived from anaerobic digestion during municipal wastewater treatment – into renewable natural gas‒ Evaluating modes of degradation during electrolysis of CO2 on industrially relevant, membrane electrode assembly (MEA) devices‒ Testing feasibility of multiple reactor and catalyst configurations for direct air capture and conversion of CO2 over dual-functional materials‒ Reviewed processes for upgrading aqueous waste from biomass pyrolysis to value-added products through partnership with Alder Fuels

‒ Optimized Pt/WOx bimetallic catalysts for the hydrodeoxygenation reaction, converting aromatic oxygenates into fuel-grade hydrocarbons‒ Investigated bulk molybdenum oxides for the reverse aldol condensation reaction, and developed descriptors for improving catalytic performance in the transformation of sugars into commodity chemicals‒ Determined ideal reaction conditions for the coupling of light oxygenates into stable, liquid fuel mixtures over industrially relevant titania catalysts ‒ Mentored undergraduate student and community college professor to become independent researchers with strengths in research presentation, laboratory techniques, and hypothesis development

Material and Energy Balance‒ Guided students through challenging practice problems during weekly office hours‒ Developed weekly quiz questions to ensure comprehension of key concepts before each class‒ Communicated important chemical engineering concepts as the primary instructor for two class periods

‒ Synthesized noble metal supported catalysts for the industrial catalytic fast pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass‒ Conducted biomass model compound deoxygenation experiments on a pressurized flow-through reactor system‒ Recommended optimal process and reactor conditions for recombining light oxygenate side products from biomass fast pyrolysis back into the primary fuel product

Introductory Chemistry for Engineers‒ Designed and presented recitation material on a weekly basis for approximately 60 undergraduate engineers‒ Developed, proctored, and graded biweekly quizzes to ensure mastery of difficult concepts

‒ Utilized ultra-high vacuum techniques to understand biomass model compound adsorption on modified noble metal surfaces‒ Conveyed research findings to a general audience during REU poster competition and was awarded funding to present research results at the AIChE national conference

‒ Analyzed the effect of chemical additives on cellulose-based materials through mechanical stress testing‒ Constructed a more flexible cellulose nanocrystal film for use in industrial applications