I develop mechanistic models and process designs for catalytic and thermochemical reactions in solvent systems where conventional assumptions fail. These include supercritical water, concentrated aqueous electrolytes, and plastic liquefaction media. I quantify how solvent properties such as density, polarity, and ionic strength impact kinetics, transport, and separations. My work enables scalable conversion of waste streams—PFAS, dairy permeate, plastics, municipal sludge—into value-added products with validated mass balances, energy profiles, and process economics.
Industrial Relevance:
Pilot-scale experience with high-T aqueous reactors and separation systems
Process configurations tailored to variable feedstocks and regulatory targets
Predictive kinetic models support real-time control and process robustness
Techno-economic analysis and LCA completed for commercialization planning
Model Systems and Results:
PFAS destruction in SCW: Radical chain kinetic modeling linked to solvent compressibility and dielectric properties. Defined operating windows for >95% defluorination.
Plastic solvolysis: High-pressure liquefaction of mixed polyolefins. Reaction engineering linked to downstream carbon material production.
Dairy waste valorization: Isomerization of galactose and lactose to high-value sugars. Reaction-separation integration with SMB systems. 40% tagatose yield at 80% galactose conversion.
Technical Capabilities:
Reactor design and operation under subcritical/supercritical conditions
Kinetic and mechanistic model development (non-ideal systems)
Multiphase mass transfer and sorption modeling
Process simulation (Aspen Plus), CFD, and Python-based tools
Analytical: GC-MS, NMR, MALDI-TOF-MS for species tracking and balances
Professional Background:
18 peer-reviewed publications; >$14M in funded research proposals
PhD: University of Utah (Eric Eddings), Postdoc: UW–Madison (George Huber)
Proposal writing, student mentoring, and cross-functional team leadership
Experience bridging laboratory kinetics to pilot-scale implementation
Job Target:
Seeking industry R&D or process development roles focused on waste conversion, aqueous-phase catalysis, solvent systems, or pilot-scale chemical process scale-up. Strong interest in working with teams advancing sustainable materials, PFAS treatment, or carbohydrate processing platforms.