UVA ChE Graduate Seminars Showcase Department's Research Depth
In June, July and August, candidates for the Ph.D. degree in chemical engineering at the UVA School of Engineering conducted an experiment of a different sort than what they do in the lab every day: They tinkered with the longstanding format of the ChE Grad Student Seminar series.
For as long as anyone in the Chemical Engineering Department can remember, students nearing graduation have presented their research to peers and faculty over the summer months. The series is organized by the Graduate Board and completely student-led. This year, the board shortened the presentation time slots to accommodate two per seminar and invited all ChE graduate students to participate.
“We wanted to make this open for all students to gain experience in presenting so that they can feel more comfortable and have opportunities to develop these important skills ― to talk about your research ― right from the beginning,” said board president Stephanie Guthrie, a fourth-year student.
The result? Eleven students and one research technician signed up, representing the labs of nine different faculty members who are carrying out research in water purification, solar energy, drug treatments for cancer and stroke, developing alternative fuel sources through catalysis, synthetic biology, and human tissue regeneration with potential to treat diseases such as fibrosis and to repair and replace organs.
“The faculty really liked the change in format,” said Bill Epling, chair of the department. “It shows the graduate students taking the lead in their scholarship and being excited about their scholarship. There’s a desire to build collaborations in and across the labs and, in general, to broaden their knowledge about the research going on at UVA.”
"The best part of the seminar series is hearing about all of the work that is done right around us. It opens up opportunities for collaboration and it highlights the really neat work and the diversity of topics that we have in our department."
Stephanie Guthrie, ChE Ph.D. '20
The students who gave presentations echoed those themes.
“The best part of the seminar series is hearing about all of the work that is done right around us. It opens up opportunities for collaboration and it highlights the really neat work and the diversity of topics that we have in our department,” Guthrie said.
Students also appreciated being able to showcase their research to others, with the added advantage of improving on it at the same time. Questions and written feedback are important components of the program.
“I got to share my work with people in my department, who were able to offer their suggestions and advice on the material. It was hugely beneficial to hear the perspectives of other engineers,” said rising third-year Kate Dagnall.
She works in Assistant Professor Joshua Choi’s optoelectronic nanomaterials lab investigating metal halide perovskites, an enticing replacement for silicon in solar cells. Fellow presenters Alex Chen and Matthew Alpert also work with Choi. They recently co-authored an article in Nature Communications, which is published by the premier scientific journal Nature.
Researchers in this area foresee a time soon when metal halide perovskites, a thin-film material, will be available in inexpensive rolls at your local hardware store. You’ll be able to apply it wherever you need energy and there is sunlight to fuel it, Choi says.
For Lucas Kimerer, also a third-year, framing how his research fits in the world was a big takeaway from the seminar experience. He works with Professor Giorgio Carta focusing on how bispecific antibodies behave during chromatography ― or separation processes ― with the goal of making safer, better pharmaceuticals.
“We spend a lot of our time thinking about very small details of experimental techniques and results,” Kimerer said. “The seminar helped me stand back a bit and see how my research fit together in a broader sense and shape the research story for an audience outside of my field.”
To hear more from the graduate students about studying at UVA and to see the breadth, scope and impact of their research, click the links below.
Hometown ǀ anticipated degree
Raleigh, NC, USA ǀ Ph.D., July 2019
Research focus area ǀ subtopic Biotechnology and Biomolecular Engineering ǀ Neural tissue engineering, peptide/protein engineering, biomaterials, molecular dynamics simulations of peptide systems
ChE Grad Student Seminar presentation title Multicomponent and supramolecular self-assemblies as functional biomaterials
Can you briefly explain your describe your research and explain how it is applied to solve real-world problems?
Regenerative medicine aims to develop bioactive matrices that promote cellular interactions and elicit desirable regenerative behavior in vivo. This is particularly important in the context of ischemic stroke, where a focal lesion forms forestalling the regrowth of brain tissue. Peptide-based molecules are used as building blocks to create supramolecular structures that emulate the properties of the native healthy extracellular matrix within the central nervous system. We look to develop a strategy involving computational modeling and experimental approaches to design, and synthesize a family of novel multicomponent, self-assembling pentapeptide hydrogel systems that mimic many of the biochemical and mechanical properties, such as porosity, pore size, viscoelastic properties, etc. found in the extracellular matrix. The goal is to design these hydrogels with properties similar to those found in the native tissue of the brain to initiate neural tissue regeneration.
Lab ǀ advisor
Choi Laboratory for Optoelectronic Nanomaterials ǀ Prof. Joshua Choi
ChE Grad Student Seminar presentation title Origin of vertical orientation in 2D perovskites and a general strategy for achieving vertical orientation for efficient optoelectronic devices
Can you briefly describe your research and explain how it is applied to solve real-world problems?
We study the relationship between the atomic structure of two-dimensional metal halide perovskite and its electronic properties to make more efficient optoelectronic devices, including solar cells and light-emitting diodes.
To combat climate change, we are looking to renewable energy sources. Among them, solar cells are one of the most promising candidates. However, the majority of commercial solar cells are made with high-purity silicon, which is bulky and expensive. Thin-film perovskite solar cells promise light and efficient solar cells, but their stability is a major barrier to commercialization. Recently, two-dimensional perovskites demonstrate high efficiency and commercially relevant stability. My research discovers key characteristics for fabricating 2D perovskites that are crucial for real-life production.
What has your experience studying chemical engineering at UVA been like?
To put it simply, I’d describe my experience in the University of Virginia ChemE Ph.D. program to be fulfilling and rewarding. When it comes to grad programs, I find that developing a strong relationship with other people in the department, especially the advisor, is more vital to your success in grad school than the ranking of the school or the grad program. UVA is unique that the tight-knit community at the ChemE program makes it easy to form a strong relationship with the advisors and other grad students.
ChE Grad Student Seminar presentation title Computational and experimental characterization of noble metal nanoparticle monolayers
Can you briefly describe your research and explain how it is applied to solve real-world problems?
Controlling the interfacial area of nanoparticles is a crucial component to controlling their properties due to their high surface area to volume ratio. One of the most common ways to control this interfacial area is with the use of a monolayer. Therefore, careful design of nanoparticle monolayers allows for a wide range of control of nanoparticle properties.
Our work looks at the design rules that influence the morphology of a monolayer. To do this we use a combination of experimental and computational techniques to explore the effect of physical and chemical changes in the nanoparticle monolayer systems.
We develop these techniques to aid in the design and optimization of nanoparticles as drug delivery devices.
What has your experience studying chemical engineering at UVA been like?
Studying chemical engineering at the University of Virginia has been a fantastic experience that has given me the experience necessary to be an independent researcher.
ChE Grad Student Seminar presentation title Enzymatic targeting of cell wall polysaccharides for organic biocontrol
How has working in the chemical engineering department at UVA benefited your research?
UVA has provided a depth of resources through top-notch research facilities, a strong industry network, and an emphasis on collaboration within and between departments. These resources have been invaluable in pursuing my goals as an entrepreneur and translating impactful research from the lab to the market.
Can you briefly describe your research and explain how it is applied to solve real-world problems?
We employ protein engineering to develop broad-spectrum enzymes as organic biocontrol agents and means for biofuel production. Uses include treating toxic algal blooms associated with pollution in fresh water and agricultural applications.
Current methods to combat algal blooms, such as copper sulfate treatment, are expensive, ineffective and environmentally toxic, motivating development of biochemical algaecides as green alternatives. This study focused on applying two previously studied enzymes to a common bloom-forming algae, M. aeruginosa. We hypothesized that the two enzymes would kill algae through disruption of the cell wall, with one ― mutant polysaccharide lyase enzyme H208F ― displaying a higher killing efficacy. The mutant H208F was confirmed as having potential application as a biochemical, enzymatic algaecide
Protein engineering of enzymes such as polysaccharide lyases opens the door to highly specific, potent, and green active ingredients to combat biocontrol issues where effective solutions are lacking ― such as eliminating pathogenic fungi on high-value crops. An enzyme, if applied effectively, may provide the answer to improving crop yields while ensuring consumer and environmental safety.
ChE Grad Student Seminar presentation title Cu-exchanged zeolite catalysts for the oxidation of methane to methanol
Can you briefly describe your research and explain how it is applied to solve real-world problems?
Methane, the primary component of natural gas, is an abundant natural resource with the potential to be an alternative to oil for the production of fuels and chemicals ― if it can be captured and transported in a safe and cost-efficient way. Converting methane to methanol is one solution, but current industrial processes for converting the gas to liquid are impractical to build at all but the largest gas fields. The goal of our research is therefore to develop a catalyst capable of oxidizing methane to methanol in a single step under mild conditions, which would unlock the potential of natural gas to serve as a feedstock for fuels and chemicals.
What has your experience studying chemical engineering at UVA been like?
My experience as a grad student in chemical engineering at UVA so far has been challenging and rewarding. I feel like the research I’m doing now will have real-world impact, and that I’m gaining the skills I need to be a successful researcher after I leave UVA.
Lab ǀ advisor
Choi Laboratory for Optoelectronic Nanomaterials ǀ Prof. Joshua Choi
ChE Grad Student Seminar presentation title Colloidal nanocrystals as an experimental platform for rapid screening of charge trap-passivating molecules for metal halide perovskite thin films
Can you briefly describe your research and explain how it is applied to solve real-world problems?
Metal halide perovskite thin films hold huge potential for optoelectronic devices, such as solar cells and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). For example, in solar cells, MHP thin films offer efficiencies that are similar to traditional silicon but at a much lower cost. However, charge recombination at surface trap sites is a significant impediment to developing optoelectronic devices based on this material. While chemical treatments with molecules that bind to the MHP thin film surfaces can be used to passivate these surface charge traps, current approaches for testing the efficacy of the passivating molecules tend to suffer from limited through-put and low statistical significance. In this work, we demonstrate the use of colloidal metal halide perovskite nanocrystals as an experimental platform for high-throughput screening of charge trap-passivating molecules for MHP thin films.
Using the high surface area-to-volume ratio of nanocrystals has the benefit of speeding up study of surface trap passivation using molecular treatments. The findings can then be translated to bulk semiconductors, accelerating our understanding and development of materials that can be used to improve optoelectronic devices.
In short, we leverage the advantages of nanoparticles in order to advance the understanding of both bulk and nanomaterials for uses in optoelectronic devices.
What has your experience studying chemical engineering at UVA been like?
I would say that it has been an excellent experience and has helped me advance my career in even more ways than I envisioned. It’s a very collaborative atmosphere that affords you the opportunity to strike the work-life balance that fits you best, while at the same time being very competitive in the national research scene. The faculty also have a wide range of connections that can help you access various national labs and equipment that aren’t always within reach at other institutions.
Hometown ǀ anticipated degree
Apex, N.C., USA ǀ Ph.D., October 2019
Research focus area ǀ subtopic Biotechnology and Biomolecular Engineering ǀ Protein separation, protein and viral engineering, neural tissue engineering, crystallization of pharmaceuticals
ChE Grad Student Seminar presentation title Controlled release of N-acetylcysteine rescues cells of the central nervous system from oxidative stress in vitro and in vivo
Can you briefly describe your research and explain how it is applied to solve real-world problems?
Prolonged oxidative stress characterizes many well-studied diseases of the central nervous system, including stroke. An important aspect of stroke pathology, brain oxidative stress, persists for up to one week following stroke, motivating the need for sustained release of antioxidant drugs over at least one week from injectable polymeric microparticles. N-acetylcysteine is a potent small-molecule antioxidant. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles have long been used to provide a multi-week release of encapsulated drugs, but encapsulation of small hydrophilic molecules via traditional emulsion methods has been a challenge due to rapid mass transport of small molecules out of particle pores.
We have developed a simple alteration to the existing water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) drug encapsulation method that dramatically improves loading efficiency, yielding particles that have the potential to provide sustained antioxidant therapy in neurodegenerative disorders such as stroke that are characterized by continuous oxidative stress.
What has your experience studying chemical engineering at UVA been like?
It has been a great experience. There is a mutual interest between graduate students with the work going on in the department. All the professors are very knowledgeable while also being easily approachable and humble. I have been able to present my work at national conferences and collaborate with folks in the departments of cell biology, anesthesiology and neuroscience here at UVA.
ChE Grad Student Seminar presentation title Water content, relative permittivity, and ion sorption properties of polymers for membrane desalination
Can you briefly describe your research and explain how it is applied to solve real-world problems?
We seek to engineer advanced membrane materials that will expand access to clean water and enhance the use of renewable energy sources. This study focuses on the water side of the story. We suggest that controlling polymer relative permittivity via the chemical functionality of the polymer could be a viable strategy to prepare polymer membrane materials that effectively suppress ion sorption. Relative permittivity measurements made on hydrated polymers may provide insight into the design of highly water/ion sorption-selective polymers for desalination membrane applications.
What has your experience studying chemical engineering at UVA been like?
It’s the best experience with excellent guidance from mentors and great support from colleagues.
ChE Grad Student Seminar presentation title Using confinement during crystallization to control polymorphism and crystal morphology
Can you briefly describe your research and explain how it is applied to solve real-world problems?
The Giri research group is focused on the fundamental processes (thermodynamic, kinetic, mechanical and optical) that lead to different organic molecule and metal organic framework morphologies, and using this knowledge to create innovative methods of controlling microstructure and phase for pharmaceutical and energy applications. Microfluidics and X-ray diffraction analysis methods feature strongly in our program to study organic molecule packing and morphology.
Crystallization is an important processing tool in many industries, including pharmaceuticals, electronics, the food industry and more. Throughout a crystallization process, careful control over the environment can direct the shape, size and molecular packing. Confinement has emerged as a method that can contribute to controlling the crystallization process. In this research, we discuss two methods of confinement and demonstrate the ability to change molecular packing (polymorphism), with significance to balancing crystal stability and solubility. We also show the use of microfluidics to confine the synthesis environment of metal organic frameworks.
Crystallization control is an important area of research for a variety of applications, ranging from controlling drug delivery to developing materials for organic electronics.
Lab ǀ advisor
Choi Laboratory for Optoelectronic Nanomaterials ǀ Prof. Joshua Choi
ChE Grad Student Seminar presentation title Impact of the monovalent cation on high efficiency metal halide perovskite solar cells
Can you briefly describe your research and explain how it is applied to solve real-world problems?
Metal halide perovskites are close to becoming the most practical option for solar power generation, and the material requires only a few final advances before it can become commercially feasible. My project operates on the principle that, if we understand the mechanisms that make metal halide perovskites operate with such high efficiency, we will have the opportunity to optimize the material even further. Once this is achieved, metal halide perovskites will replace silicon in lighter, more flexible and less expensive solar panels that can increase our world’s renewable energy production.
What has your experience studying chemical engineering at UVA been like?
My experience at UVA Chemical Engineering has been of a department that is fast growing and constantly evolving, with program directors who are eager to suit the needs of the students. The department has a high standard of research excellence, but still fosters a sense of community, and it has been so exciting to see all of the new collaborations and innovations that have been created by our department in the past couple of years.
Lab ǀ advisor
Carta Group: Bioseparations Engineering at UVA ǀ Prof. Giorgio Carta
ChE Grad Student Seminar presentation title
Three-peak elution behavior of bivalent bispecific antibodies on ProPac and Source cation exchange resins
Can you briefly describe your research and explain how it is applied to solve real-world problems?
Chromatography is the workhorse for purification of biologics such as monoclonal antibodies to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases. My research focuses on how next-generation therapeutic, bivalent bispecific antibodies ― which have the ability to engage two unique targets simultaneously ― behave on chromatography resins. Understanding how these molecules behave during processing allows us to develop models that aid in manufacturing-scale purification of the drug from isoforms and contaminants to ensure safe and pure pharmaceuticals.
We study protein behavior during separations at the microscopic level to rationally design commercial-scale purifications with the aim of increasing purity and decreasing cost of biopharmaceuticals.
What has your experience studying chemical engineering at UVA been like?
UVA ChE has a very tight-knit community of graduate students that support each other throughout grad school. Charlottesville is an awesome place to live.
ChE Grad Student Seminar presentation title Phototunable viscoelastic hydrogels to study cell mechanobiology
Can you briefly describe your research and explain how it is applied to solve real-world problems?
The development of modular viscoelastic hydrogels (biomaterials) that are reminiscent of natural tissues are important to explore the dynamic interplay between cells and their microenvironment during disease progression. This research may ultimately be applied in human health areas such treatment of fibrosis and cancer and repair and replacement of tissues and organs.
What has your experience studying chemical engineering at UVA been like?
My overall experience here has been positive and can be attributed to the tightknit community present in our department as well as a rapidly growing department with professors who care about the wellbeing of their students. The graduate students in the department regularly get together on weekdays and weekends, and we also have a monthly department happy hour that facilitates the close community we have.
Hometown ǀ anticipated degree
Hometown 
Hometown ǀ anticipated degree
Hometown ǀ anticipated degree
Hometown ǀ anticipated degree
Hometown ǀ anticipated degree