{"id":1916,"date":"2016-06-02T14:57:10","date_gmt":"2016-06-02T14:57:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eng.ufl.edu\/graduate\/?page_id=1916"},"modified":"2025-09-09T07:49:35","modified_gmt":"2025-09-09T12:49:35","slug":"chemical-engineering","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.eng.ufl.edu\/graduate\/current-students\/undergraduate-research\/research-projects\/chemical-engineering\/","title":{"rendered":"Chemical Engineering"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Project Title: <\/strong>New Shape Memory Polymers for Vapor Sensing
Department: <\/strong>Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor:<\/strong> Peng Jiang, pjiang@che.ufl.edu<\/a>
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s):<\/strong> TBD
Terms Available:<\/strong> Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level:<\/strong> Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, 2 students each term
Prerequisites:<\/strong>  Basic chemistry and physics
Credit:<\/strong>  1-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend:<\/strong> none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements:<\/strong> Resume, UF Unofficial transcripts, faculty interview; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Peng Jiang, pjiang@che.ufl.edu<\/a>
Application Deadline:<\/strong> March 1 for Summer and Fall terms and November 1 for the Spring term
Website:<\/strong> http:\/\/www.che.ufl.edu\/jiang<\/a>
Project Description:<\/strong> We are developing a new series of shape memory polymers for chromogenic vapor sensors. These sensors change colors when exposed to different chemical vapors. They are useful for a large variety of applications ranging from homeland security to diabetes screening. The undergraduate student working on the project will collaborate with a small group of graduate students to develop basic understanding of the unusual shape memory mechanisms and explore the detection limits of the final devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project Title: <\/strong>Novel Chromogentic Sensors
Department: <\/strong>Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor:<\/strong> Peng Jiang, pjiang@che.ufl.edu<\/a>
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s):<\/strong> TBD
Terms Available:<\/strong> Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level:<\/strong> Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, 2 students each term
Prerequisites:<\/strong>  Basic chemistry and physics background
Credit:<\/strong>  1-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend:<\/strong> none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements:<\/strong> Resume, UF Unofficial transcripts, faculty interview; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Peng Jiang, pjiang@che.ufl.edu<\/a>
Application Deadline:<\/strong> N\/A
Website:<\/strong> http:\/\/www.che.ufl.edu\/jiang<\/a>
Project Description:<\/strong> We are developing new chromogenic chemical and biological sensors for various applications ranging from detecting the content of ethanol in gasoline to monitoring benzene\/toluene\/xylene in contaminated water. The undergraduate students will work with their graduate mentors to develop new shape memory polymers that can specifically and sensitively detect analytes in different solution\/vapor mixtures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project Title #1: <\/strong>Liquid Bridge Instability
Department: <\/strong>Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor:<\/strong> Ranga Narayanan, ranga@ufl.edu<\/a>
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s):<\/strong> n\/a
Terms Available:<\/strong> Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level:<\/strong> Junior, Senior, 1 student per term
Prerequisites:<\/strong>  Must have completed with good grades the following courses: Mass and Energy balances, Transport phenomena (this can be concurrent with the application).
Credit:<\/strong>  0-3 credits via EGN 4912, or Tech Electives are possible
Stipend:<\/strong> University Scholars or $650 for three semesters
Application Requirements:<\/strong> Basic online application, resume, UF Unofficial transcripts, faculty interview; email required documents to ranga@ufl.edu<\/a>, USRP Scholars must apply through regular channels
Application Deadline:<\/strong> February 17, 2017 for Summer and Fall 2017 and October 1, 2017 for Spring 2018
Website:<\/strong> n\/a
Project Description:<\/strong> Liquid bridges are configurations that occur in the growth of compound semi-conductors. We are interested in determining the ways in which a liquid bridge can become unstable to odd and then even rupture. This project is essentially experimental. The student must be capable of writing well and have excellent communication skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project Title #2: <\/strong>Flow Instability in Rotating Systems – Applications to Bioreactors
Department: <\/strong>Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor:<\/strong> Ranga Narayanan, ranga@ufl.edu<\/a>
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s):<\/strong> TBD
Terms Available:<\/strong> Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level:<\/strong> Junior, Senior, 1 student per term
Prerequisites:<\/strong>  Good grades in Mass and Energy Balances and Transport Phenomena.
Credit:<\/strong>  0-3 credits via EGN 4912, or Tech Electives are possible
Stipend:<\/strong> University Scholars or $650 for three semesters
Application Requirements:<\/strong> Basic online application, resume, UF Unofficial transcripts, faculty interview; email required documents to ranga@ufl.edu<\/a>, USRP Scholars must apply through regular channels
Application Deadline:<\/strong> February 15, 2017
Website:<\/strong> None
Project Description:<\/strong> Rotating Annular Flows can conceivably be used in Bioreactors. An experimental system is being set up to study when the flow can become unstable leading to secondary vortices. The project is experimental and the student will learn about data acquisition and considerable fluid mechanics. The student will compare the results with a model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project Title #3: <\/strong>Faraday Instability at Interfaces
Department: <\/strong>Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor:<\/strong> Ranga Narayanan, ranga@ufl.edu<\/a>
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s):<\/strong> TBD
Terms Available:<\/strong> Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level:<\/strong> Junior, Senior, 2 students per term
Prerequisites:<\/strong>  Undergraduate Mass and Energy Balances, Transport Phenomena
Credit:<\/strong>  2 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend:<\/strong> none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements:<\/strong> Basic online application, resume, UF Unofficial transcripts, faculty interview; email resume and unofficial transcripts by PDF with a cover letter to ranga@ufl.edu<\/a>,
Application Deadline:<\/strong> Beginning of the terms
Website:<\/strong> None
Project Description:<\/strong> Mixing in microsystems is of importance in Lab-on -a chip devices, in microgravity processing, and in micro-heat pipes. This mixing can be caused by flow instabilities. Flow instabilities due to resonant interaction between parametric forcing and the natural frequency leads to interfacial patterns. This project is about prediction and experimental validation of the onset of interfacial patterns between fluid layers. Students will work with 3D printing of experiments, imaging, and data analysis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project Title: <\/strong>Electrochemical Engineering
Department: <\/strong>Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor:<\/strong> Mark Orazem, meo@che.ufl.edu<\/a>
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s):<\/strong> Too Be Assigned
Terms Available:<\/strong> Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level:<\/strong> Sophomore, Junior, Senior; Number of openings depends on availability and interest of graduate student mentors.
Prerequisites:<\/strong>  Material and Energy Balances, Transport Phenomena
Credit:<\/strong>  0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend:<\/strong> none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements:<\/strong> Resume, faculty interview; please discuss your interest with Cynthia Sain,  csain@ufl.edu<\/a>, and then send me an email with CV to Mark Orazem, meo@che.ufl.edu<\/a>, to request a time to meet.
Application Deadline:<\/strong> March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring term
Website:<\/strong>  http:\/\/www.che.ufl.edu\/orazem\/<\/a>
Project Description:<\/strong> The Orazem Electrochemical Engineering research group offers the opportunity for undergraduate research under the mentorship of graduate students directed by Prof. Orazem. Students are preferred who would like to have a long-term relationship with the group, culminating in an individual research project. The specific topics offered will support on-going research projects involving applications of electrochemical engineering fundamentals. The number of undergraduate positions available depends on availability and interest of graduate student mentors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project Title: <\/strong>Use of Bioreactors for the Production of Bioenergy, Bioproducts, or Wastewater Treatment
Departments: <\/strong>Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentors:<\/strong> Pratap Pullamanappallil, pcpratap@ufl.edu<\/a> ; Spyros Svoronos, svoronos@ufl.edu<\/a>
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s):<\/strong> various TBD
Terms Available:<\/strong> There may be openings at the beginning of every semester.  The total number of undergraduate researchers is 10-15.
Student Level:<\/strong> Sophomore, Junior, Senior;
Prerequisites:<\/strong>  None, but preference is given to students from the ABE and the Chem E departments and to students who have taken or are taking courses with Prof. Pratap Pullamanappallil  or Prof. Spyros Svoronos.
Credit:<\/strong>  0-3 credits via EGN 4912, for most students 0-1 credits per semester.  Chem E students can utilize up to 3 credits for technical electives
Stipend:<\/strong> none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements:<\/strong> Students with interest should contact one of the faculty mentors (pcpratap@ufl.edu<\/a> and svoronos@ufl.edu<\/a>).  If there is an opening, they will be invited to attend one of the research group\u2019s weekly meetings where they will find specific information about available projects.
Application Deadline:<\/strong> various times throughout the year
Website(s): <\/strong>None
Project Description:<\/strong> Research to establish a path for the economic production of a biofuel (methane) and a bioproduct (polysaccharide). It utilizes a remarkable cyanobacterium that eliminates the need for freshwater inputs or external addition of nitrogenous nutrients and avoids expensive purification methods for product recovery. The project is in collaboration with Professor Edward J. Phlips of the UF School of Forest Resources and Conservation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project Title #1: <\/strong>Biomedical Applications of Magnetic Nanoparticles
Department: <\/strong>Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor:<\/strong> Carlos Rinaldi-Ramos, carlos.rinaldi@ufl.edu<\/a>
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s):<\/strong> varies
Terms Available:<\/strong> Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level:<\/strong> Sophomore, Junior, 2-5 students per term (new students when positions open)
Prerequisites:<\/strong> Passion for science and engineering, interest in research and in advancing technology, self-driven. Students from Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering encouraged to apply.
Credit:<\/strong>  0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend:<\/strong> none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements:<\/strong> Resume and statement of research interest. See https:\/\/www.che.ufl.edu\/rinaldi\/positions\/<\/a>
Application Deadline:<\/strong> See https:\/\/www.che.ufl.edu\/rinaldi\/positions\/<\/a>
Website:<\/strong>  https:\/\/www.che.ufl.edu\/rinaldi\/<\/a>
Project Description:<\/strong> The Rinaldi lab is interested in biomedical applications of magnetic nanoparticles. We combine particle synthesis, modification, and characterization and fundamental understanding of response to magnetic actuation to advance applications in biomedical imaging, therapeutic delivery, and nanoscale thermal therapy. The research is interdisciplinary, combining concepts from biomedical, chemical, electrical, and materials science and engineering. Current efforts focus on developing tracers for magnetic particle imaging (MPI), an exciting new biomedical imaging modality that allows for non-invasive, unambiguous, and quantitative imaging of the in vivo distribution of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle tracers. This research involves nanoparticle synthesis and characterization, cell culture, animal studies, image analysis, 3D printing, and computer programming. Students interested in any of these aspects are encouraged to apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project Title: <\/strong>Natural Biomaterials for Muscle Regeneration
Department: <\/strong>Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor:<\/strong> Whitney Stoppel, whitney.stoppel@ufl.edu<\/a>
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s):<\/strong> TBD
Terms Available:<\/strong> Spring, Summer, Fall 
Student Level:<\/strong> Sophomore or Junior for UF students, ideally looking for students willing to commit 3+ semesters to the lab; summer REU students can be at any stage
Prerequisites:<\/strong>  Motivated, self-driven student with an interest in experimental research, chemical engineering, application of engineering to medicine, and scientific writing. Some biology preferred; general knowledge of mass transport (registration in or completion of ECH 3264 recommended). Students interested in completing an honors thesis in chemical engineering are encouraged to apply.
Credit:<\/strong> 0-1 credits\/semester via EGN 4912
Stipend:<\/strong> none unless selected for University Scholars\/Emerging Scholars or are part of the summer SURF program or UF ChE REU
Application Requirements: <\/strong>Academic year students are encouraged to fill out an online application: https:\/\/www.stoppellab.org\/labmembers.html<\/a>; summer students should apply to the SURF program or UF ChE REU program.
Application Deadline:<\/strong> rolling and dependent on current space
Website:<\/strong> www.stoppellab.org<\/a>
Project Description:<\/strong>The Stoppel Lab is interested in the development and optimization of natural biomaterials for applications in skeletal muscle regeneration and wound healing. We utilize natural materials such as silk from silk worms or alginate from sea kelp\/brown algae to develop materials with controllable and predictable in vivo responses. The research is interdisciplinary, combining concepts from chemical and biomedical engineering and materials science. Through this research experience, students are expected to gain skills in experimental design, execution, and analysis while honing their scientific communication skills through lab, department, college, and university level opportunities to present the results of their work. Initially, Stoppel lab students work in pairs and independent projects are provided over time. We are a diverse group of engineers and scientists and welcome students from all backgrounds and will not discriminate based on gender identity, race, religion, cultural background, financial background, etc… We aim to build an inclusive environment that supports the success of all dedicated and hardworking students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project Title #1: <\/strong>Transport Properties of Mesoporous Metal-Organic Frameworks by NMR
Department: <\/strong>Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor:<\/strong> Sergey Vasenkov, vase17@ufl.edu<\/a>
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s):<\/strong> none
Terms Available:<\/strong> Spring
Student Level:<\/strong> Sophomore, Junior, 1-2 students per term
Prerequisites:<\/strong>  ECH 3264 Elementary Transport Phenomena
Credit:<\/strong>  0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend:<\/strong> none unless selected for University Scholars for Fall\/Spring
Application Requirements:<\/strong> Basic online application, resume; email one pdf file with all requirements to Sergey Vasenkov, vase17@ufl.edu<\/a>
Application Deadline:<\/strong> March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring Term
Website:<\/strong> None
Project Description:<\/strong> Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) represent an emerging class of nanoporous materials that exhibit organic\/inorganic hybrid crystalline lattices with well-defined nanopores having sizes comparable with sizes of small gas molecules. MOFs with added mesoporosity, viz. mesoporous MOFs, are of great interest for potential applications in catalysis due to the possibility of reducing mass transport limitations caused by the presence of smaller nanopores. This project focuses on generating preliminary data on diffusion of small gas molecules including CO, CO2 and CH4 in mesoporous MOFs on micrometer length scales by advanced NMR techniques.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project Title #2: <\/strong>Elucidating Mechanisms of Gas Transport in Porous Hybrid Membranes by Advanced NMR
Department: <\/strong>Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor:<\/strong> Sergey Vasenkov, vase17@ufl.edu<\/a>
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s):<\/strong> TBD
Terms Available:<\/strong> Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level:<\/strong> Freshman, Sophomore, Junior; 1-2 students per term
Prerequisites:<\/strong>  Declared engineering major
Credit:<\/strong>  0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend:<\/strong> none unless selected for University Scholars for Fall\/Spring
Application Requirements:<\/strong> Basic online application, resume; email one pdf file with all requirements to Sergey Vasenkov, vase17@ufl.edu<\/a>
Application Deadline:<\/strong> March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring Term
Website:<\/strong> None
Project Description:<\/strong> Porous membranes fabricated for separations of gas mixtures such as CO2, CH4, and N2 are usually structurally heterogeneous. In particular, mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) are novel membranes that are formed by dispersing particles of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) in polymeric matrices. The main goal of this project is to develop a fundamental understanding of microscopic transport of gas molecules on different (micrometer and submicrometer) length scales of displacements in MMMs using advanced NMR techniques.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project Title #3: <\/strong>Using Single-File Diffusion for Gas Separations
Department: <\/strong>Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor:<\/strong> Sergey Vasenkov, vase17@ufl.edu<\/a>
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s):<\/strong> TBD
Terms Available:<\/strong> Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level:<\/strong> Sophomore, Junior; 1-2 students per term
Prerequisites:<\/strong>  ECH 3264 Elementary Transport Phenomena
Credit:<\/strong>  0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend:<\/strong> none unless selected for University Scholars for Fall\/Spring
Application Requirements:<\/strong> Basic online application, resume; email one pdf file with all requirements to Sergey Vasenkov, vase17@ufl.edu<\/a>
Application Deadline:<\/strong> March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring Term
Website:<\/strong> None
Project Description:<\/strong> Single-file diffusion, i.e. diffusion in one-dimensional narrow channels where the molecules cannot pass one another, is of great potential interest for applications in gas separations. Until now, separations under conditions of single-file diffusion were not demonstrated experimentally and direct experimental observations of such diffusion were limited to systems of channels with only one-component sorbates. This deficiency in the current knowledge will be addressed in the proposed project. The main goal of the project is to investigate different types of gas transport, including single-file transport, on small (i.e. micrometer and submicrometer) length scales in nanoporous materials using advanced NMR techniques.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project Title: <\/strong>Patterned Structures via Electrodeposition
Department: <\/strong>Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor:<\/strong> Kirk Ziegler, kziegler@che.ufl.edu<\/a>
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s):<\/strong> TBD
Terms Available:<\/strong> Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level:<\/strong> Junior, Senior; 1 student per term
Prerequisites:<\/strong>  Good performance in Mass and Energy Balances, Transport Phenomena
Credit:<\/strong>  2-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend:<\/strong> none unless selected for University Scholars Plus Travel to a Conference
Application Requirements:<\/strong> Basic online application, resume; UF unofficial transcripts, Letter(s) of recommendation, email University Scholars Application to Administration and submit Resume, Unofficial transcript and One letter of recommendation from a professor
Application Deadline:<\/strong> February 15, 2017 for Summer and Fall 2017
Website:<\/strong> ziegler.che.ufl.edu<\/a>
Project Description:<\/strong> Our research will involve ground experiments on electro-deposition in preparation for an experiment on the International Space Station. The student will use chemical engineering principles of transport phenomena to design and run experiments on creating patterned substrates. The applications are in enhanced mixing for sensors, in enhanced heat transfer, etc. Access to the Nano Research Facility will be made available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project Title: <\/strong>Patterns with Resonant Forcing
Department: <\/strong>Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor:<\/strong> Kirk Ziegler, kziegler@che.ufl.edu<\/a>
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s):<\/strong> TBD
Terms Available:<\/strong> Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level:<\/strong> Junior; 2 students per term
Prerequisites:<\/strong>  Mass and Energy Balances
Credit:<\/strong>  0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend:<\/strong> none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements:<\/strong> email one PDF to the professor with a copy to Ranga Narayanan, ranga@ufl.edu<\/a> who will co-supervise
Application Deadline:<\/strong> February 4, 2020
Project Description:<\/strong> This experimental project involves resonant forcing of liquids with free surfaces in contact with compliant media. The free surface develops patterns that are controllable. The patterns are affected by gravity level. It is our interest to examine the patterns using external forces that counter gravity such as electrostatic forces. The application of this work is in materials science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project Title: <\/strong>Development and Implementation of Engineering Design K-14 Outreach Activities
Department: <\/strong>Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor:<\/strong> Sindia Rivera-Jim\u00e9nez, rivera.jimenez@eng.ufl.edu<\/a>
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s):<\/strong> N\/A
Terms Available:<\/strong> Fall, Spring
Student Level:<\/strong> Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 2-4 students per term
Prerequisites:<\/strong> You should have (or want to improve with this experience) the following characteristics of a successful engineer: Natural Curiosity, Logical Thinking and Reasoning, Communication Skills, Attention to Detail, Creativity and Innovation, Team Player, Problem Solving Skills, Technical Knowledge, Constant Learner, and a desire to help others.
Credit:<\/strong>  0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend:<\/strong> none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements:<\/strong> resume, statement of research interest, and faculty interview; Email pdf with application requirements to Dr. Rivera, rivera.jimenez@eng.ufl.edu<\/a>.
Application Deadline:<\/strong> Fall – September 1; Spring – February 1
Website: <\/strong>https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sindia-rivera-jimenez\/<\/a>
Project Description:<\/strong> (Engineering Education Project) Chemical Engineering faculty, staff, and students are involved in several annual programs that reach out to K-14 students and the public to promote awareness about engineering and science as well as to encourage talented young people to consider these fields for their future careers. Participating students will have the opportunity to apply their engineering skills by creating engineering design activities that will be implemented at local schools and museums. Also, participants will learn how to assess the event with the potential of presenting quantitative and qualitative results at a national conference (ASEE and AIChE).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project Title: <\/strong>Chemical Engineering Design Workshops for Early Undergraduate Students
Department: <\/strong>Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor:<\/strong> Sindia Rivera-Jim\u00e9nez, rivera.jimenez@eng.ufl.edu<\/a>
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s):<\/strong> N\/A
Terms Available:<\/strong> Fall, Spring
Student Level:<\/strong> Junior, Senior; 5-6 students per term
Prerequisites:<\/strong> Junior or Senior Level
Credit:<\/strong>  0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend:<\/strong> none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements:<\/strong> resume, statement of research interest, and faculty interview; Email pdf with application requirements to Dr. Rivera, rivera.jimenez@eng.ufl.edu<\/a>.
Application Deadline:<\/strong> Fall – September 1; Spring – February 1
Website: <\/strong>https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/sindia-rivera-jimenez\/<\/a>
Project Description:<\/strong> This work explores to what extent student attitudes towards chemical engineering changes if problem-solving and design skills are practiced earlier in the curriculum. The workshops invite students to engage voluntarily in online instructional videos independently and then partake in design tutorials in a collaborative setting. Each face-to-face session will require students to work on team projects using their applied knowledge to solve simulation exercises at a higher level using introductory concepts of process economics and optimization techniques to make recommendations about their work. This project requires students mentors that want to learn simulation software (Aspen Plus, HYSYS, and UNiSim). Also, to assess the overall workshop performance with the potential of presenting quantitative and qualitative results at a national conference (ASEE and AIChE).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project Title:<\/strong> Self-Assembly of Block Copolymers with Recombinant Proteins
Department: <\/strong>Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor:<\/strong> Yeongseon Jang, y.jang@ufl.edu<\/a>
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s):<\/strong> Varies
Terms Available:<\/strong> Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level:<\/strong>\u00a0 Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 2-5 students per term (new students when positions open)
Prerequisites:<\/strong> Basic chemistry and physics, Strong research interests in polymer and biomaterials. Highly motivated students from Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Materials Science and Engineering are encouraged to apply.
Credit:<\/strong>\u00a0 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend:<\/strong> none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements:<\/strong> Resume, UF Unofficial transcripts, and 1-page statement of research interest; email one PDF file with all application requirements to Yeongseon Jang, y.jang@ufl.edu<\/a>
Application Deadline:<\/strong> Varies throughout the year
Website: www.jangsmartlab.com<\/a>\u00a0
Project Description: <\/strong>We investigate the self-assembly of recombinantly engineered fusion proteins with amphiphilic block copolymers in solution and at the interface. Understanding the inter\/intramolecular interactions between the building molecules is the key for designing of self-assembled materials with target structural, mechanical, and functional properties. Current efforts focus on tuning structural and mechanical properties of self-assembled protein vesicles. This research involves materials preparation and characterization including fluorescent microscopy, light scattering, and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation energy monitoring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project Title:<\/strong> Heterogeneous Catalysis for Chemical Upgrading
Department: <\/strong>Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor:<\/strong> David Hibbitts, hibbitts@ufl.edu<\/a>
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s):<\/strong> N\/A
Terms Available:<\/strong> Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level:<\/strong> Freshman, Sophomore
Prerequisites:<\/strong> None
Credit:<\/strong>  0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend:<\/strong> None
Application Requirements:<\/strong> Email interest to hibbitts@ufl.edu<\/a> to setup a meeting time
Application Deadline:<\/strong> Rolling
Website:<\/strong>hibbitts.rc.ufl.edu<\/a>
Project Description:<\/strong> Our group uses a combination of experimental and computational methods to study different types of solid catalysts to enable and improve large-scale chemical reactions, such as plastics recycling, biomass conversion, and the upgrading of light molecules such as methane or methanol. Our goal is to fundamentally understand how a catalyst\u2019s structure influences its behavior and preference for forming specific products. Undergraduate students can synthesize and test catalysts in our lab or use density functional theory (DFT) calculations to predict the structures of these catalysts and reaction energies to predict reaction mechanisms. Undergraduates can collaborate with groups at UF and other schools such as UC Santa Barbara, Purdue, Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Princeton, Houston, and Ohio State and work with industry partners from Ford Motor Co. and ExxonMobil. Our prior undergraduate students have a strong track record of publishing their results in peer-reviewed journals (3 undergraduate authors in the last 5 years, with one undergraduate as the lead author) and acceptance to top-tier PhD programs. Read more about our ongoing projects and prior work at hibbitts.rc.ufl.edu. No prior experience is required. Our group welcomes students of all races, genders, socioeconomic backgrounds, and sexual orientations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project Title:<\/strong> Engineering next-generation neurosin variants to digest disease-associated alpha-synuclein proteoforms
Department: <\/strong>Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor:<\/strong> Carl Denard, cdenard@ufl.edu<\/a>
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s):<\/strong> N\/A
Terms Available:<\/strong> Spring, Summer
Student Level:<\/strong> Sophomore, Junior; 1 Student per Semester
Prerequisites:<\/strong> Biology for Engineers, Biochemistry, Molecular Biotechnology.
Credit:<\/strong>  0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend:<\/strong> None
Application Requirements:<\/strong> Resume, UF Unofficial Transcripts, Letter(s) of recommendation, Statement of Research Interest; one PDF to cdenard@ufl.edu<\/a>
Application Deadline:<\/strong> Rolling
Website:www.thedenardlab.com<\/a><\/strong>
Project Description:<\/strong> Alpha-synuclein plays a major role in the pathology and progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple system atrophy, dementia with Lewy bodies, and Parkinson’s Disease. Therapeutic approaches to degrade proteoforms of alpha-synuclein that cause and exacerbate disease are sorely needed, as antibody-mediated and small molecule-based strategies lack efficacy. The Denard lab is investigating the proteolytic degradation of alpha-synuclein with an engineered human protease. We use protein engineering and directed evolution to refine and redefine the substrate specificity of proteases, and aim to engineer the next-generation of proteome editors, capable of degrading disease-associated proteins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project Title #2:<\/strong> Investigating the substrate specificity of sortases
Department: <\/strong>Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor:<\/strong> Carl Denard, cdenard@ufl.edu<\/a>
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s):<\/strong> N\/A
Terms Available:<\/strong> Fall, Spring
Student Level:<\/strong> Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 1 Student per Semester
Prerequisites:<\/strong> Biology, Biochemistry, Biology for Engineers
Credit:<\/strong>\u00a0 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend:<\/strong> None
Application Requirements:<\/strong> Resume, UF Unofficial Transcripts, Statement of Research Interest, and Faculty Interview; one PDF to cdenard@ufl.edu<\/a>
Application Deadline:<\/strong> Rolling
Website:www.thedenardlab.com<\/a>
Project Description:<\/strong> Site-specific modifications catalyzed by protein-modifying enzymes are at the heart of most chemical biology advances of the past 30 years. Sortases catalyze a site-specific transpeptidation that allows precise conjugations of small molecules drugs, imaging probes, proteins, polymers, to target proteins and enzymes. In this project, we aim to explore and evolve the substrate-specificity of sortases. These discoveries will lead to an expansion of the substrate scope of sortases, delivering a new set of tools and approaches to target intracellular proteins, antibody therapeutics, and to form protein nanocomplexes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project Title: <\/strong>Developing antibacterial surfaces on polymeric biomedical implants
Department:<\/strong> Chemical Engineering<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Faculty Mentor (email):<\/strong> y.jang@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s):<\/strong> TBD
Terms Available:<\/strong> Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level:<\/strong> Sophomore, Junior
Prerequisites:<\/strong> Basic chemistry and physics, Strong research interests in polymer and biomaterials. Highly motivated students from Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Materials Science and Engineering are encouraged to apply.
Credit: <\/strong> 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend:<\/strong> none unless selected for university scholars
Application Requirements:<\/strong> Email resume, UF unofficial transcript, and 1-page personal statement including research interests and aims (all in one PDF file) to Prof. Jang.
Application Deadline:<\/strong> June 1 for Fall, November 1 for Spring, March 1 for Summer (2 months prior to the semester begins)
Website: <\/strong>faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/yeongseon-jang<\/a>
Project Description:<\/strong> The fast evolution of pathogenic bacteria with increasing drug resistance is a growing problem, affecting 2 million people in the U.S. each year. Bacterial adhesion on medical implants and devices leads to serious infectious diseases. To address the human health issues from the growing number of drug-resistant bacteria, we develop a new approach to create bactericidal surfaces that combat initial adhesion of bacteria. Current focuses lie in understanding how stiff nano-protrusive pillars can kill bacteria by membrane rupture and providing a guideline to design diverse implantable surfaces. This study encompasses nanofabrication and characterization methods of polymer surfaces and assessment of antibacterial performance, which is applicable to different polymeric materials used in a wide range of medical implants and devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project Title<\/strong>: Experimental design of polymer membranes for gas separation and water treatment
Department<\/strong>: Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor (email)<\/strong>: Joshua Moon, joshua.moon@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s)<\/strong>: TBD
Terms Available<\/strong>: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level<\/strong>: Sophomore, Junior, Senior (multiple positions available until filled)
Prerequisites<\/strong>: Basic Chemistry and\/or Transport Phenomena coursework.  Preference given to students from Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or Chemistry.  Students should be self-motivated and show enthusiasm for actively participating in collaborative engineering research in polymer materials.
Credit<\/strong>:  0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend<\/strong>: None unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements<\/strong>: One page statement of interest, resume, and UF unofficial transcript, followed by a faculty interview.  Email one PDF with application materials to Joshua Moon at joshua.moon@ufl.edu. Summer students are encouraged to apply to the SURF program or UF ChE REU program.
Application Deadline<\/strong>: November 1 for Spring term, March 1 for Summer or Fall terms
Website<\/strong>: moonresearchlab.com
Project Description<\/strong>: Our group is developing polymer membranes for energy-efficient gas separations with particular interests in carbon capture and clean hydrogen production, as well as novel materials for water purification membranes and absorbents. This experimental project area is interdisciplinary and will involve preparing and characterizing membrane materials to understand how polymer structure and functionality can be controlled to optimize separation efficiency.  Students should expect to work in teams led by senior members in the lab, with independent projects potentially made available to students who demonstrate commitment to working in our group for multiple semesters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project Title:<\/strong> Understanding microscopic transport in novel separation membranes using advanced nuclear magnetic resonance
Department:<\/strong> Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor (email):<\/strong> Dr. Sergey Vasenkov (svasenkov@che.ufl.edu<\/a>)
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s):<\/strong> TBD
Terms Available:<\/strong> Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level:<\/strong> Students who have basic knowledge of mass transport
Prerequisites:
<\/strong>Credit: <\/strong> 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend:
<\/strong>Application Requirements:<\/strong> send an email with CV
Application Deadline:<\/strong> None
Website:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.che.ufl.edu\/people\/faculty\/name\/sergey-vasenkov\/<\/a>
Project Description: <\/strong>Mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) and carbon molecular sieve (CMS) membranes are among the most promising microporous membranes for highly efficient separations needed in industry. In particular, separations involving organic-loaded wastewaters and biofuels\/chemicals are of great interest, as they represent processing quantities of at least 1 trillion gal\/year. MMMs are hybrid membranes formed by dispersing molecular sieve particles, such as metal\u2013organic framework (MOF) particles in polymers. CMS membranes are fabricated from pyrolysis of polymeric precursors. While significant progress was recently made towards understanding structural properties of these membranes on microscopic length scales, fundamental understanding of molecular transport on micrometer and sub-micrometer length scales in these membranes is still mostly missing. The main goal of this project is to develop a fundamental understanding of such microscopic<\/em> transport properties and the relationship between these properties and structural properties of MMMs and CMS membranes using advanced or even unique nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques available in our group. Such understanding will allow optimizing membrane transport properties for any specific separation used in industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project Title: <\/strong>Design of sustainable processes
Departments: <\/strong>Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentors: <\/strong>Juan Manuel Restrepo-Florez, restrepoflorezj@ufl.edu<\/a>
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N\/A
Terms Available: <\/strong>Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: <\/strong>Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior: 1 student per semester
Prerequisites: <\/strong>Calculus, MEB
Credit: <\/strong>N\/A
Stipend: <\/strong>None
Application Requirements: <\/strong>Basic online application, Resume, Faculty interview. Email all application materials to Prof. Restrepo-Florez at restrepoflorezj@ufl.edu<\/a>
Application Deadline: <\/strong>Rolling
Website(s): <\/strong>https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/restrepo-pse-lab\/<\/a>
Project Description: <\/strong>The students working on this project will be developing optimization based frameworks to evaluate the sustainability of chemical processes. Specifically, the students will work to evaluate the sustainability of a process based on the econosystem services logic and the planetary boundaries framework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project Title: <\/strong>Modeling and simulation of biomass upgrading processes
Departments:<\/strong> Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentors: <\/strong>Juan Manuel Restrepo-Florez, restrepoflorezj@ufl.edu<\/a>
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Iboh Shalom
Terms Available: <\/strong>Fall, Spring , Summer
Student Level: <\/strong>Junior, Senior; 3-Feb
Prerequisites: <\/strong>MEB
Credit: <\/strong>N\/A
Stipend: <\/strong>None
Application Requirements: <\/strong>Basic online application, Resume, Faculty interview, send an e-mail to Prof. Restrepo-Florez with all application materials to restrepoflorezj@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: <\/strong>Rolling
Website(s): https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/restrepo-pse-lab\/<\/a>
Project Description: The students involved in this project will develop models and simulations for biomass upgrading processes using state-of-the art software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Project Title: New Shape Memory Polymers for Vapor SensingDepartment: Chemical EngineeringFaculty Mentor: Peng Jiang, pjiang@che.ufl.eduPh.D. Student Mentor(s): TBDTerms Available: Fall, Spring, SummerStudent Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, 2 students each termPrerequisites:  Basic chemistry and physicsCredit:  1-3 credits via EGN 4912Stipend: none unless selected for University ScholarsApplication Requirements: Resume, UF Unofficial transcripts, faculty interview; email one pdf […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19875,"featured_media":0,"parent":1782,"menu_order":3,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-templates\/page-section-nav.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"featured_post":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-1916","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.eng.ufl.edu\/graduate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1916","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.eng.ufl.edu\/graduate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.eng.ufl.edu\/graduate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.eng.ufl.edu\/graduate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19875"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.eng.ufl.edu\/graduate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1916"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.eng.ufl.edu\/graduate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1916\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17651,"href":"https:\/\/www.eng.ufl.edu\/graduate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1916\/revisions\/17651"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.eng.ufl.edu\/graduate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1782"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.eng.ufl.edu\/graduate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1916"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}