Chemical Engineering - University of Massachusetts Amherst
I did my undergraduate research in sorption technologies under the supervision of Professor William Curt Conner in the field of reaction and catalysis engineering at the University of Massachusetts. I was part of a Nanoscale Interdisciplinary Research Team investigating the effects of microwave irradiation on the synthesis of zeolites. The team is funded by the National Science Foundation (1.2M) and consists of faculty members from Chemical Engineering, Chemistry (UMass & UConn), Electrical Engineering, and Polymer Science and Engineering. I investigated the effective surface temperature of oxide particles under the influence of microwaves through sorption experiments. What was most exciting about this study was the collaborative aspect with people from different disciplines.
Experience:
Undergraduate Research and Independent Study, University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA – Undergraduate Research Assistant. Independent research investigator for Prof. W.C. Conner (UMass ChE). Investigated the effects of microwave irradiation on sorption experiments with oxides. Fabricated mobile microwave and sorption experiment apparatus and investigated selective binary component sorption experiments on oxides and zeolites.
Nanoscale Interdisciplinary Research Team (NIRT), University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA – Chemical Engineering Research Assistant/Technician. Studied the effective surface temperature of silica under irradiation of microwaves in sorption experiments. Investigated the effects of microwave effects on zeolite synthesis and studied the effect of reactor geometry on zeolite yield and production rate. Collaborated with various disciplines from both the University of Massachusetts and the University of Connecticut.
