Tag: Chemical Engineering

Learning at Michigan Tech has been a transformative journey that began in Fall 2021 and marked my transition from clean-energy and water-sustainability research into the world of nanoscale sensor technology. This shift opened my eyes to the power of nanomaterials and surface engineering, sparking a deep fascination with how subtle changes at the atomic scale can influence macroscopic behavior and shape the world around us.

My dissertation investigates metal oxide gas sensors for ultralow-concentration detection—technology that can advance breath-based disease diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and early-warning systems for public and industrial safety. I am fascinated by how this field turns scientific wonder into practical breakthroughs, pushing sensing limits not by discovering new elements, but by creatively engineering the materials we already know. Along this journey, I have gained hands-on experience in nanoscale materials synthesis, microfabrication, and surface-engineering methods, deepening my expertise and passion for materials-driven innovations.

Beyond the laboratory, my time in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has been incredibly meaningful. I enjoyed the quiet beauty of the region—its forests, water bodies, and changing seasons—which has provided both inspiration and balance during my research journey. The university’s strong support network, including access to advanced instrumentation and partnerships with other institutions when specialized tools were needed, has played a key role in my academic and professional growth.

I am honored and grateful to the Graduate School and the Graduate Dean Awards Advisory Panel for this recognition and the support to be provided through the Doctoral Finishing Fellowship. I am deeply thankful to Dr. Liu for the mentorship throughout this transformative journey, and to my committee members and department colleagues for their guidance, support, and encouragement. This fellowship is part of the collective support I have received at Michigan Tech, and I am sincerely appreciative.

I began my PhD journey at Michigan Technological University with a desire to make healthcare more accessible through low-cost, reliable diagnostics. My research focuses on developing molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) biosensors—customizable, shelf-stable devices designed as alternatives to traditional antibody-based systems. By tailoring the polymerization conditions and integrating nanomaterials, I aim to enhance the sensitivity and stability of these sensors for use in point-of-care applications.

This work is driven by the belief that everyone deserves access to timely medical testing. MIP sensors hold great promise for use in underserved areas, where refrigeration or specialized lab equipment may not be available. Their potential to address healthcare gaps in remote or low-resource settings is one of the most exciting parts of my research.

During my time at Michigan Tech, I have published two articles on MIP-based cortisol and lactate sensors, with a third currently pending publication. I’ve had the honor of receiving the Health Research Institute Fellowship and several presentation awards. Beyond research, I’ve served as a Graduate Student Government representative, helping organize events such as the Alumni Poster Session, 3-Minute Thesis, and Graduate Research Colloquium—experiences that have strengthened my commitment to supporting the graduate student community.

One of the highlights of my time at MTU has been serving as a teaching assistant and mentoring students in our lab. These experiences have inspired me to pursue a future career in academia, where I hope to foster curiosity and hands-on learning in the next generation of engineers.

I am sincerely grateful to the Graduate School and the Graduate Dean Awards Advisory Panel for this fellowship. I’d also like to thank my advisor, Dr. Yixin Liu, the Chemical Engineering Department, and my friends and family for their unwavering support.

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.