SURF Mentoring

Potential projects/topics: This project explores piezocatalysis, an emerging advanced oxidation process that uses mechanical energy (like ultrasound) to activate materials, such as piezoactive microparticles or nanoparticles, to drive the degradation of persistent environmental pollutants, specifically PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).This project focuses on the fundamental mechanistic challenges and knowledge gaps that exist within the scope of piezocatlaytic contaminents degradation or water treatment. The student will design and execute controlled experiments to systematically investigate how specific variables influence the catalytic activation and overall reaction kinetics. This project more broadly covers topics in material science, chemistry, and engineering, and the experimental design can focus on aspects of the project that students are specifically interested in.

Potential skills gained: Experimental design, analytical chemistry, data analysis and interpretation, and scientific communication

Required qualifications:

• Preferred majors: Students in chemistry focused majors are preferred (chemistry, chemical engineering, environmental engineering, material science, or other similar field).

Direct mentor: Graduate Student