Michael Cordon Email & Phone Number

Oak Ridge, Tn, Us

Postdoctoral researcher working on heterogeneous zeolite catalysts for renewable energy applications

Graduate Research Advisor: Dr. Rajamani GounderGraduate research focused on design, characterization, and in-depth kinetic modeling of zeolite catalysts for biomass upgrading in liquid media with an emphasis on characterizing multiple kinetic regimes free of mass transfer artifacts.Experimentally quantified the role of hydrophobic reaction environments within M-Beta zeolites for glucose isomerization through detailed kinetic analysis and combined in situ and ex situ characterization of reactive intermediates.Helped design and develop the Gounder research group’s physical facilities and interpersonal and safety cultures as a founding research group member through applied entrepreneurial nature, leadership, and effective communication.Led research efforts to synthetically control zeolite properties for both liquid-phase glucose isomerization and gas-phase propylene epoxidation applicationsMentored 5 undergraduate students (3 receiving authorship upon publication of articles) and 1 high school student during doctoral research2015 Graduate Student Mentor of the Summer Award for mentorship of an undergraduate studentMentored 4 generations of graduate students in scientific, technical communication, and interpersonal skills as a founding member of the Gounder research groupWorked as a teaching assistant for two classes with both laboratory and classroom componentsSolid state chemical characterization techniques: NMR, IR, XRD, adsorption isotherms, SEM/EDS, AAS, UV-Vis, etc.Detailed training in kinetics and reaction engineering concepts including mass and heat transfer effectsHAZOP experience in industrial applications and graduate-level process safety training through additional coursework and through Purdue Process Safety and Assurance Center training

Researching the catalytic consequences of hydrophobic reaction environments surrounding Lewis acidic active sites within the Beta zeolite topology.

Own and operate Rive Enterprises, LLC, an Indy game company currently developing a tactical role playing game.Developed the framework for a Java-based video game using self-taught programming and artistic skills combined with detailed logic and balancing algorithms and prototyping.Built a highly diverse team of 11 artists and programmers to drive the innovation and development of the project.Managed personnel, including staffing decisions, performance reviews, and professional development.

Phoenix, Az, Us

Led a team of two other interns and additional support staff to start a 6,000 gallon bioreactor for implementation into current industrial leach pad operations based on kinetic findings from the previous summer.Participated in a HAZOP for bioreactor startup and operation and updated P&IDs, PFDs, and associated diagrams.

Undergraduate Research Advisor: Dr. Paul BlowersDeveloped graphical user interfaces for rapid data analysis of biomass sources and biomass upgrading processes for quantitative comparisons of chemical makeup and costs for direct industrial applications.Drafted a scientific manuscript on catalytic hydrothermal gasification for converting residual algal biomass into syngas and performed literature reviews on additional biomass upgrading techniques for industrial funding sources.

Cultivated and studied eubacteria and archaebacteria to improve mineral recoveries during copper leaching applications.Operated lab, bench, and pilot scale bioreactors. Developed mass and energy balances for reactors, designed experiments to study bacterial growth rates and other key kinetic properties, and performed operational duties such as feeding microorganisms, cleaning various reactor environments, and constructing new reactors.Designed and conducted laboratory experiments to test for toxicity levels and key parameters for bacterial growth.Designed and wrote VBA code for determining Michaelis-Menton kinetic parameters from bioreactor yields, operating conditions, and feedstock concentrations.

Doctor Of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Chemical Engineering

Bachelor Of Science (Bs), Chemical Engineering