At MIT, I am developing machine learning models for high-throughput screening/discovery of metal-organic frameworks to use as adsorbents for C2 separations. This work has included database development, based on a combination of text mining and molecular simulations, Python-based model development, and experimental validation.

Overall, my thesis project focused on using polymer-based composite membranes to perform challenging organic solvent separations. The work is broadly divided into the following two projects: • Mixed matrix membrane project: Investigation of organic solvent transport phenomena in metal-organic framework-based mixed matrix membranes • Molecularly-mixed composite membrane project: Comprehensive analysis of transport phenomena, micro-scale particle/polymer interactions, and scale-up potential of porous-organic cage-based molecularly-mixed composite membranes

As an undergraduate research assistant in the Mississippi State Sustainable Bioproducts Department, I was responsible for assisting in the development of lignin-based resins. The goal of our research was to synthesize, in a cost effective manner, lignin-based resins for use in wood veneers to replace the phenol-formaldehyde based ones that are currently used. I isolated pure lignin from the raw material that we received from a paper mill, used it to create lignin-formaldehyde resins, and then tested the durability of these resins through various mechanical tests. I was also responsible for analysis of the resins and various samples through the use of techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, and gas chromatography.

In spring of my fourth year (January 2016-May 2016) International Paper offered me the opportunity to partake in an internship in their fluff pulp product development group. While with IP I was responsible for numerous projects that included running quality control support for mill operations as well as developing new testing methods to gain further insight into how customers were using our product. This experience helped me to develop the critical thinking skills and attention to detail necessary to be successful at a major corporation. By developing new testing methods from scratch, I honed my ability to create viable, cost-effective solutions. Preparing reports on my progress for my superiors helped me to communicate with others in a clear, concise manner. I also gained experience working with larger scale machinery through training in the operation of a pilot plant that was on site. This experience gave me a deeper understanding of the factors that must be considered when scaling up a process and how to take a project from the experimental to the practical phase.

During my junior year (August 2014-May 2015) I was involved in chemical research in the area of organometallics and was able to gain a solid foundation of lab expertise through my work in synthesis and analysis. Using techniques such as gel chromatography, I created precursor compounds to be used in the synthesis of transition metal pincer complexes and then used these compounds to create a variety of different pincer compounds and observe their properties. At every step, the process was also analyzed using such methods as nuclear magnetic resonance and gas chromatography to ensure quality control of the final product.