I am sincerely grateful to the Graduate School, the Dean, and the Awards Advisory Panel for selecting me for the Finishing Fellowship. This support is an incredible honor as I enter the final phase of my doctoral studies. I would also like to express my appreciation to my advisor, Dr. Timothy Eisele, for his support, guidance, and mentorship throughout my research journey. His continuous encouragement and insightful feedback have helped me navigate challenges.
My journey at Michigan Tech began in 2016 when I enrolled in the Master’s program in Chemical Engineering, which I completed in 2018. After gaining valuable experience outside academia, I returned in 2021 to pursue a PhD in Chemical Engineering with the ambition of expanding my expertise in research. My PhD research focuses on developing cost-effective bioleaching methods for manganese recovery from low-grade ores. This approach utilizes metal-reducing organisms and biomass to convert manganese into a soluble form, followed by selective precipitation. As part of this project, we developed a 200-liter capacity process in the lab to demonstrate manganese production at the pilot scale. We are currently in the process of scaling this technology for implementation at an industrial, commercially viable scale.
In addition to my core research, I have worked on extracting iron from iron ore tailings using bioleaching and have contributed to battery recycling projects aimed at recovering critical metals such as manganese, nickel, and cobalt. My PhD research contributes to the development of cleaner, more economically viable metallurgical processes and supports the global transition toward sustainable resource use. Looking ahead, I hope to continue advancing technologies for critical mineral recovery, bio-based manufacturing, and energy-efficient extraction.
During the fellowship period, I plan to focus entirely on completing the final stages of my dissertation, preparing my findings for publication, and fulfilling all degree requirements. I am excited to complete my PhD and take the next steps in advancing my career.