Chicago, Illinois, United States
Advisor: Professor Linda Broadbelt · Formulated a novel mechanistic model using Bayesian statistics and the method of moments to analyze the effects of chain length and backbone topology on the pyrolysis of vinyl oxygen-containing polymers · Translated and adapted multiple in-house computational models from the C programming language to the gPROMS Custom Model Language, facilitating a seamless integration with the gPROMS software · Evaluated experimentally observed products and identified analogous organic chemical reactions to propose mechanistic pathways for the pyrolysis of various vinyl oxygen-containing polymers, contributing to the understanding of linear homo- and copolymer thermal degradation chemistry · Designed a pathways-level model to simulate the catalyzed isothermal degradation of δ-valerolactone, identifying overlooked reaction pathways and addressing key mechanistic questions · Optimized a microkinetic model of the pyrolysis of high-density polyethylene to experimental results
Advisor: Professor Matthew Stuber · Devised and programmed systems of complex ODE-IVP’s in Julia to validate and refine proposed reaction pathways · Utilized two optimization techniques to solve parameter estimation problems, identifying accurate reaction rate constants for complex chemical systems
· Developed a heat transfer model of a drained nuclear core using Star-CCM+ on behalf of the Advanced Test Reactor Experiment Engineering Department, enabling in silico safety testing and improvements · Assembled and digitally rendered a three-dimensional scale replica of a nuclear reactor core using the Inventor Pro software, adhering to original blueprints for reference
Advisor: Professor Julia Valla · Investigated various catalysts to enhance the efficiency of sulfur reduction in transportation fuels, contributing to advancements in clean energy · Synthesized and characterized zeolite materials with a specific focus on ZSM-5
· Performed routine maintenance on a stacked bed reactor, identifying and repairing leaks to ensure optimal performance and safety · Managed and collected experimental data related to transportation fuel refinement