Bommarius Lab Research Spring 12

Research Positions for Undergraduates, Spring term 2012

The Bommarius lab seeks undergraduate students interested in challenging research!

The Bommarius laboratory (ChBE, CHEM, Bioengineering) specializes in biocatalysis, green chemistry, protein stability, and biochemical engineering.  We seek self-motivated, hard-working student researchers interested to continue for a PhD and/or MD after college, to work on cutting-edge research problems and to learn new skills.

Eligibility:                                                                              

i)       graduation date (B.S.) between 05/13 and 08/14 in BIOL, BMED, CEE, ChBE, or CHEM

ii)      GPA at Georgia Tech > 3.30, preferably > 3.5

iii)     basic laboratory skills, enthusiasm, self-motivation, flexibility, independence

iv)     start in Spring 2012 for credit, continuation during summer 2012 possible and expected

Interested?:    Please email resume (incl. i) major, ii) GPA, and iii) expected graduation date) to mentor and to Prof. Andreas S. Bommarius (andreas.bommarius@chbe.gatech.edu).

Interviews with mentor:       any time; feedback: less than 1 day later; decision asap after agreement among student, mentor, and faculty advisor

We have a position available on the following projects:

1.      Deep eutectic solvents for the pretreatment of cellulose

Cellulose is the most abundant biomaterial known and is considered a key target for replacement of fossil fuels.  Due to its partially crystalline nature, cellulose is not soluble in water or most organic liquids. Eutectic mixtures of salts sometimes melt below room temperature.  We will investigate the solubility and structure (crystallinity) of cellulose in such liquids.

The student will learn to compose and identify a eutectic medium, measure and interpret crystallinity of cellulose, and to employ cellulose and lignocellulosic materials.  Key experiments will involve testing renewable materials as components of the eutectic system, testing cellulose crystallinity via X-ray diffractometry, and measuring hydrolysis to oligosaccharides.  The work will require some knowledge of physical chemistry.

Mentors: Yuzhi Kang (ykang41@gatech.edu) and Ryan Clairmont (ryan.clairmont@gatech.edu)

2.      Kinetics of enzymatic cellulose hydrolysis

Lignocellulosics are of great significance as biofuel feedstock due to their abundance and low cost. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the effects of steam explosion and the feasibility of utilizing steam-exploded agricultural residues as fuel feedstock.  The research focuses on the hydrolyzability, reactivity, and kinetic study of lignocellulosic biomass such as steam-exploded bagasse and wheat straw.

The student will learn techniques of protein purification and handling, of measuring and interpreting adsorption and enzyme kinetic data, and of employing lignocellulosic materials.  Key experiments will involve measuring adsorption of cellulase on cellulose surfaces and exploring and confirming enzymatic activity. The work will require knowledge of organic chemistry and kinetics.

Mentor: Yuzhi Kang (ykang41@gatech.edu)