Thursday, December 12, 2013

Registering for Undergraduate Research tips

Are you planning to do research in Spring 2014?  You must complete an Undergraduate Research Permit Request form (found in the CHBE office) first.  There is one form for Research for Academic Credit and another form for Research for Pay--please choose the correct form. Complete the form including how many credit hours for which you will register--rule of thumb is one credit hour=3 hours in the lab.  Obtain your supervising professor's signature, and turn in the completed form to your academic advisor (drop them in the box on my office door) and I will issue the permit within 24 hours.  You will receive an email notification that you can register for the course.

WARNING WARNING WARNING
When you register for a variable hour course (i.e. research), the registration will default to 1 hour; it is your responsibility to change the hours based on the agreement you have made with your supervising professor.  Your advisor CANNOT change the hours for you.

How do I change the number of hours for a variable hour course?
  1. Log into Buzzport
  2. On the Home tab locate the "REGISTRATION AND STUDENT SERVICES" channel
  3. Select the "Registration - OSCAR" link
  4. Select "Student Services & Financial Aid"
  5. Select "Registration"
  6. Select "Add/Drop Classes"
  7. Select "Term"
  8. Select "Change Course Options" at the bottom of screen
  9. Enter the desired number of hours.
 All Permit requests MUST be submitted no later than Friday, January 10 at NOON!  Once the permits are entered, you MUST register no later than Friday at 4:00 p.m.!

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

CH2M HILL Scholarship

The CH2M HILL Scholarship is sponsored by the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE).  The scholarship is open to everyone, not only Asian students, with the following criteria:

-Must be a current undergraduate or graduate student in the fields of study Architectural Design, Construction, Engineering (Chemical, Civil, Environmental, Mechanical, Electrical, or Structural)
- Undergraduate Students: Must have completed a minimum of 30 credit hours towards one of the above degrees and/or is at the Junior level status in their curriculum. Student cannot be graduating within the next 12 months.
- Graduate Students: Must be a currently enrolled student in one of the above degrees. Student cannot be graduating within the next 12 months.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Interested in an internship or full-time position with CH2M HILL. Please keep in mind that CH2M HILL is a global company and would prefer candidates who are willing and able to meet their global needs (i.e. willing to travel and/or relocate to develop their careers)
- Have previous work and/or leadership experience
- Be active as a member or volunteer in the community

To be eligible to apply, you MUST be a paid SASE member. To become one, here is what you need to do:
1. Pay here: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=WGEXB6LUDD4JN
2. Upload your resume on T-square once we have granted you access to it in the format "LastName_FirstName” in .pdf format

Deadline for application is October 19th at midnight.

Selected candidates must be available for interview on October 21st or 22nd

The final winner will be announced on October 23rd. The application can be found on the official GT SASE Members T-Square page.

If you have any questions, please contact Georgia Tech SASE at GTSASE@gmail.com.

Friday, October 11, 2013

Bridging Science and Art

Please join us on Wednesday, October 16th in the Auditorium of the Architecture Building on the Georgia Tech Campus as Nobel Laureate Roald Hoffmann reads from his selected works, and comments on science and poetry. The reading is 3-4pm with a reception to follow.

Awarded the 1981 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on chemical reaction theory, Roald Hoffmann is a poet and playwright whose work has explored subjects from the Holocaust to the World of Chemistry.

His recent co-authored works include “Roald Hoffmann on the Philosophy, Art, and Science of Chemistry,” and “Beyond the Finite: The Sublime in Art and Science.”
 



Monday, September 23, 2013

Gwinnett County schools: Chemistry Teacher needed

This just in!

Gwinnett County is in immediate need of a Chemistry teacher in the Lawrenceville area.  Applicants must have already passed the GACE Basic Skills/Program Admission and the GACE Chemistry.  This job is not posted yet.

For more information, please contact:

Patrice Pendergast, PHR
Human Resources - Recruitment Coordinator
phone: (678) 301-6076
patrice_pendergast@gwinnett.k12.ga.us
www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us

Contact Susan Belmonte, Pre-Teaching Advisor, for help with your resume and other information related to applying in general.  sbelmonte@gatech.edu

Susan Belmonte, M.Ed.
Pre-Teaching Advisor
Georgia Tech Learning Excellence
Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning
404.385.3494 (office)
susan.belmonte2 (Skype)
www.preteaching.gatech.edu

Monday, September 16, 2013

Especially for International Students...

Career Services is collaborating with the Office of International Education (OIE) on several programs this fall. These are two coming in the September and October:

Guest Speaker Dan Beaudry, Author of “Power Ties:  The International Student's Guide to Finding a Job in the United States”
Date: Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Student Center Theater

Choosing Your Path: Career Exploration for International Students
Three -90 minutes sessions for small groups of international students. Students are required to contact Lanie Damon at: elaine.damon@success.gatech.edu  before joining the group. 

 Dates:
  • Wednesday, October 16, 2013      
  • Wednesday, October 23, 2013 
  • Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Time: 4:00 p.m.

The GREEN Program

The GREEN Program is a short-term experience which combines hands-on education, adventure, service learning, cultural immersion and global networking to create an unparalleled learning experience in Iceland & Costa Rica. This program becomes a launchpad for the future innovative leaders of tomorrow.

Upon completion of the GREEN program you will receive:
* Experiential Education visiting several renewable energy facilities
* Service Learning through community service projects in impoverished areas
* Adventures such as surfing, glacier & jungle hiking or tectonic plate snorkeling
* Cultural Immersion in local indigenous tribes, eco-lodges or animal rehabilitation reserves
* Entrepreneurial inspiration developing your own green venture
* Access to our alumni network with job opportunities and industry connections
* Custom letters of recommendation based on your capstone project
* Transferable academic credit awarded by Reykjavik University

Costa Rica 12 days Summer and Winter, 9 days Spring
Five forms of renewable energy, action-packed adventures, cultural immersion, memories for a lifetime all in paradise.

Iceland 10 days Summer, 8 days Winter and Spring
Noted as the greenest country in the world, Iceland is an untapped reserve of energy and adventure. We have partnered with Reykjavík University's Renewable Energy and Sustainability Master's Program (REYST) and the School of Science and Engineering to provide quality insight into the industry from the leading innovators.

Dare to be different. Dare to be you. Challenge the world.
Define your career path in 10 days
Apply Today!

Take a Professor to Lunch!

Invite any faculty, staff, or teacher's assistant to join you for lunch to get to know them and enjoy a great meal!  Tickets are on sale for only $7 (for the pair) through Tuesday, October 1st, 2013 at www.scpc.gatech.edu - go to tickets.  If you have any questions, please contact arts@scpc.gatech.edu.

Then meet your professor for lunch on Tuesday, October 8th, 2013 at the Student Center Ballroom!

And remember... DRESS TO IMPRESS!!  Don't fret! If you're afraid you won't have anything to discuss with your professor, we will have conversation starters on the tables.

OXE Tutoring for ChBE 2100 hours

We are happy to announce that OXE ChBE 2100 tutoring is back! Tutoring will be every Tuesday from 6-7pm and Thursday from 7-8pm in Ford EST L1175. The tutoring sessions will consist of time to see various examples worked and to go over homework questions. If you have any questions please contact us at oxegeorgiatech@gmail.com

If you would like to get involved with OXE or help with tutoring fill out the following form https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1s2qVa11R11n-PJkQ2Z9cRqYuzmA0M3losWPddrEuOOo/viewform or send an email to oxegeorgiatech@gmail.com to get more information. Applications are due by October 1st.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Attention Seniors: ONLINE APPLICATION FOR GRADUATION information and dates

When you are preparing for graduation, you must submit an application for graduation to the registrar’s office.  If you are following the Biotech concentration and have not officially declared it, it will not appear on your Degreeworks audit.  Please check your audit to make sure it is accurate before submitting an application.  If anything is questionable, let me know.  If you have declared a minor, you must also submit a paper Program of Study form, which is completed and signed with your minor advisor and by me.  Follow this link for more information about the application process: 
http://www.registrar.gatech.edu/students/deginfo/oag.php

The application is available online during the following windows:

Fall 2013 Graduation
•    Application was open 5/22/13-6/18/13 and is now closed.
•    The reapplication window is currently open (for students who have previously submitted an application and did not graduate as anticipated) from 8/1/13-9/16/13.

Spring 2014 Graduation
•    Application will open 9/17/13-10/15/13.
•    Late window (additional fees are charged) 10/16/13-10/31/13.

Summer 2014 Graduation
•    Application will open 1/15/14-2/14/14.
•    Late window (additional fees are charged) 2/15/14-2/28/14.

I suggest to seniors that you schedule a meeting with your advisor before submitting your online application for graduation whenever possible to review your audit and make sure you know what requirements still remain to be filled.  As always, you can access my appointment calendar at http://www.advising.gatech.edu/appointments

Monday, September 9, 2013

NSF Research Fellowship Info Sessions

There are two upcoming NSF Graduate Research Fellowship information sessions—

1)    Wednesday September 11, 11:15-12:15, Ferst Room, 7th floor of the library. Dr. Rob Butera, who has interviewed for NSF, will speak.
2)    Thursday, October 3, 3:00-4:30, Success Center, President’s Ste. C & D, Dr. Manu Platt, who has interviewed for NSF, will speak.

Information to help students get started can be found under the ChBE Interactive T-Square page/Forums/Scholarship Opportunities.  NSF has changed from three 2-page essays to two essays. There is a 3-page combined personal and previous research essay and a 2-page proposed research essay..
Fellowships Office contacts are working now with students on essays, and applications are due in early November.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Opportunity for Research


I am looking for a junior or senior undergraduate research assistant to work on nanoparticle imaging study.  Nazanin Masoodzadehgan, nmasood@gatech.edu

Please note that if you choose to do research with this researcher, it is too late to register for the research for academic credit or for audit.



Wednesday, August 28, 2013

ChBE at Georgia Tech Lorraine, Summer 2014

This program (initiated in summer, 2006) is designed for students who have finished the sophomore level ChBE courses. Professor Meredith will lead the effort. Two ChBE courses will be offered: Thermodynamics II (ChBE 3130), and Transport Phenomena I (ChBE 3200). In addition, students will have the option to take technical, social science, or humanities electives. In the last four years, 16-22 ChBE students have participated in the program each year, and registered for ~10 credit hours. Several scholarships have been provided in the past through the generous support of Shell Oil Company. It is anticipated that Shell will again be awarding the scholarships for the Summer 2014 program.

You should apply as soon as possible by visiting www.oie.gatech.edu/apply. Based on the past experience, students who apply late may not have space available. Last year, many ChBE students were left out due to lack of dorm space. The only way to deal with this is to register for the program as early as possible. We are recommending that you apply by September 15, 2013.

If you have any questions, let me or Ms. Ami Ivanecky know. You may also contact Dr. Meredith for the GTL program.

Monday, August 26, 2013

Join Engineers Without Borders

We are a humanitarian engineering organization that works to design and implement health and infrastructure solutions in developing countries. Our projects are almost entirely student designed and lead. We currently have projects in Uganda, Cameroon, and Navajo Nation as well as a cook stoves project. We are accepting new members this semester and welcome students from all disciplines. There are many aspects necessary to the success of our projects, so students of all majors are encouraged to join.

If you would like to learn more about our organization please attend our Information Session this Thursday August 29 at 6:00 in Klaus 2447. We will also have a New Member Orientation Thursday September 5 at 6:00 in Klaus 2447.

If you are interested in being part of an organization that will offer you hands on experience and an opportunity to make a difference, please visit our website at ewb-gt.org

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Another way to communicate...

We are always trying to determine what methods of communication are the most effective--which is why the BLOG was started!  However, there are some types of information that may not be as well suited to the blog as others. 

So, the Student Advisory Board decided to give something else a try!  We have set up a CHBE Interactive website through T-Square--and you should be able to access it...
https://t-square.gatech.edu/portal/site/ba0d038e-c8a6-404e-9fd7-42e7a12304c7/page/d3cb11fc-97d2-46eb-a762-1b293d2f033b

You all use T-Square, right?  So, while you're there, check out the new site.  It will only be as useful as we make it.  There will be announcements, a calendar for events, and in the Forums, there will be a section for Scholarship opportunities, Job/Internship announcements, Corporate Partner information sessions, Research opportunities, and whatever else seems appropriate. 

Give us your feedback and your suggestions!


Engineers for a Sustainable World

ESW's First Meeting of the Semester!
Who: Anyone who wants to attend!
When: Tuesday, August 27th, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: IC (Instructional Center) room 209
Other Details: There will be free Pizza and drinks!

2014 Petit Scholars: Looking for Top Undergrads!

Please follow this link to learn more about the application process  for Petit Undergraduate Research Scholars.

http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=c968b270f16fb3e4ae6f616cf&id=f87c4be674&e=03a3a50ae9


GT Student Hospital Connections

To current and prospective Pre-Health students alike: do you want exposure to the field of medicine but don't know how to get started? How about weekly shuttle rides to local hospitals or opportunities to meet with medical professionals?

GT Student Hospital Connections offers all that and more! A student-run Pre-Med organization, GT SHC sets up volunteering opportunities at Grady Memorial Hospital and Atlanta Medical Center. Interviews and orientations are conducted on campus and weekly transportation is provided for those who require it. Not only do we provide medical exposure, but also offer further opportunities to explore the field with guest speakers, chance to interact with other Pre-Health students, and more!

General orientation will take place in Klaus 1456 at 7:00pm on Thursday, August 22nd. The orientation is open to anyone who wants to learn about GT SHC. We strongly encourage attending the orientation to anyone who plans to volunteer through SHC for the first time.

Online membership application will be posted at the GT SHC site ( http://gtshc.weebly.com/) at 5pm on Wednesday, August 21st. Application is due by 11:59 p.m. August 23rd.

Accepted members will be notified by 5pm on Sunday, August 25th regarding on-campus interviews with the volunteering directors from Grady Memorial Hospital and Atlanta Medical Center.

For more information, check out our site: http://gtshc.weebly.com/. Contact SHC Secretary Ashley Lockwood (alockwood3@gatech.edu) should you have any questions! Be sure to check us out!

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Biotech Elective: RESEARCH APPROVAL REQUIRED

Any student who is pursuing the Biotechnology concentration in CHBE who is planning to use research to fill the Biotech elective:  READ THIS!

If you plan to apply research (CHBE 4699) to fulfill the Biotech elective, you MUST get this pre-approved by Dr. Agrawal to confirm that the research is bio-related.  To get this approval you will:
Submit a one-page abstract describing your research.
Include the term in which the research was completed.
Obtain the signature of your supervising professor on the abstract.
Turn this in to Dr. Agrawal.

After he reviews it, he will email you (and me) to confirm (or deny) your research will fulfill the Biotech elective requirement.  If it is approved, HOORAY--and I will make this note on your degree audit in Degreeworks.  If NOT, the research will be removed on Degreeworks (even if it is currently fulfilling the requirement). 

Please note that all graduating seniors must submit a graduation application, and these applications are approved by degree certification and by the CHBE department.  We will NOT approve CHBE 4699 to fulfill the Biotech elective if you have not obtained approval from Dr. Agrawal.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Variable Hour Courses/Research

So, you are planning to do research this semester, and you have turned in your signed approval form from your professor.  You receive the email notification that you can now register for the course.
WARNING WARNING WARNING
When you register for a variable hour course (i.e. research), the registration will default to 1 hour; it is your responsibility to change the hours based on the agreement you have made with your supervising professor.  Your advisor CANNOT change the hours for you.

How do I change the number of hours for a variable hour course?
  1. Log into Buzzport
  2. On the Home tab locate the "REGISTRATION AND STUDENT SERVICES" channel
  3. Select the "Registration - OSCAR" link
  4. Select "Student Services & Financial Aid"
  5. Select "Registration"
  6. Select "Add/Drop Classes"
  7. Select "Term"
  8. Select "Change Course Options" at the bottom of screen
  9. Enter the desired number of hours.

Wait List Notifications INFO

Students--if you are currently on a wait list for a class, please be aware that the registrar's office has not opened the WAIT LIST NOTIFICATION process yet!  This means that if you see seats in a class, but you are on a wait list--DON"T JUMP OFF THE LIST!  The open seats are frozen and cannot be accessed UNLESS you are on the waitlist.  Starting Friday afternoon, approximately 4pm, the waitlist notifications will begin.  After that time, if you are the first person on a waitlist you will receive notification when a seat is available for which you can register via email.  You must register for the open seat within 12 hours or you lose the spot.  When registering for a seat, you should enter the CRN# into the space available at the bottom of the Add/Drop worksheet in OSCAR and click SUBMIT. 

Remember also that being on the wait list does not guarantee a seat.  Especially for CHBE 4200 and 4400, the wait list will be prioritized based on anticipated graduation. 

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Research position: Kawajiri group

The Kawajiri research group is looking for an undergraduate researcher who is interested in developing an hydrogen energy production process over multiple semesters. We are working with the Atomistic Simulations and Energy Laboratory in Mechanical Engineering for thermogravimetric testing. The goal of this testing will be to identify high preforming oxygen storage materials (OSM) for hydrogen production. Currently this lab is leading an ARPA-E in the Department of Energy focused on the construction of a concentrated solar powered reactor. This reactor will utilize an OSM to produce hydrogen through a reversible metal oxide cycle.

Eligibility:
 1. Completed or simultaneously taking ChBE 4300 Kinetics & Reactor Design.
 2. Minimum GPA at Georgia Tech 3.2.
 3. Interested in continuing work on this project in Spring or Summer 2014 semester(s) for further credits or pay.

If you are interested, please send (1) your resume and (2) expected graduation date to Colby Jarrett (cjarrett7@gatech.edu)

Friday, August 9, 2013

Fall 2013 Unit Ops and Process Control registration

Many seniors plan to take these classes in their final year.  The prerequisite for both classes is CHBE 3210 Transport II, and you can take them concurrently with ChBE 3225 Separations and/or CHBE 4300 Kinetics.  Since both of these classes are labs, we usually recommend taking them in two separate semesters when possible. 

You need to sign up for both the lecture and lab sections of this class when seats are open.  However, many of the sections are filled following Phase I registration.

Remember: CHBE 4200 is for standard option; CHBE 4210 is Biounit Ops for the biotechnology option.

If you plan to graduate in Fall 2013 and still need to take either of these classes, I hope you are either in the class or on the waitlist.  If you are NOT on the waitlist, you MUST register yourself for the waitlist of the LAB SECTION of the class you can take, and email me to let me know that you are graduating in the fall and must be prioritized on the wait list. You will not be able to register for the lecture section of the class until seats are opened if you are on the waitlist. 

Please note:  if you are on the waitlist for either of these classes and you are NOT graduating in Fall 2013, we cannot guarantee seat availability.  Graduating seniors will be given priority, and not all students on the waitlist will get a seat in the class.  In general, it will be easier to find seats in Unit Ops in the fall term as the number of seats in PC is more limited.

Georgia Tech Athletic Association needs Tutors!

The Georgia Tech Athletic Association (GTAA) will be hiring tutors for Fall 2013. Prospective students can apply online at www.studentathlete.gatech.edu/tutoring  and gain more information about the GTAA tutoring program.  Please look for more information coming soon to the GTAAN T-Square site.

Point of Contact:
Christen Steele
Education Support Manager
Georgia Tech Athletic Association
(404) 894-7585 Office
(404) 353-7784 Cell
(404) 894-6478 Fax
csteele@athletics.gatech.edu

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Waitlisting Pointers

There are many questions about how wait listing works for a class, so here are a few thoughts:

Waitlisting allows departments to see which classes are in demand, and hopefully, adjust the schedule by either adding seats to current sections or adding sections.  If you need a class and it's full, add yourself to the waitlist!  Keep in mind that this doesn't guarantee you a seat, but it's a good idea, especially in Phase I.

Here's a good rule of thumb to use:  If there is even 1 person waitlisted but there are 20 open seats...  you cannot take one of those open seats.  You must wait in line.  Classes with waitlisting cannot be "stalked".  Do NOT jump off the waitlist and try to grab a seat if you see one open--you won't get it and you will lose your place in line.

Think of it this way.  You go into a restaurant and see 10 open tables. You ask the hostess for a table but are told you cannot have one because there is a waitlist. You must go on the list behind the others already waiting, as they will get their chance for the table first.  At the restaurant this is typically about 5-10 minutes.  If they do not answer, then the next person on the list goes.  Here at Tech you get 12 hours to answer for your "table". (class)

You cannot waitlist for multiple sections of a class, so pick the one that would work with your schedule if a seat opens.  Remember: if you get the email which says a section has a seat, you have 12 hours in which to register.  To register, go to the add/drop worksheet and enter the CRN # of the class and click Submit Changes.  (The C will not go away, so you can't click the box and register...)

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Research Positions for Undergrads Fall 2013

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 05/14 and 12/15 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 Fall 2013 for credit, continuation during 2014 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), Dr. Minjeong Sohn (minjeong.sohn@chbe. gatech.edu)

2.  Green oxo synthesis: improvement of alcohol oxidase (AOX) to increased activity against butanol for conversion to butyraldehyde.
Aldehydes are commonly obtained through oxo synthesis or hydroformylation, via addition of CO and H2 to alkenes.  We propose to generate aldehydes via selective oxidation of the corresponding alcohols, many of them available inexpensively through their use as biofuels.
    We seek to improve the specific activity of alcohol oxidase from yeast as well as substrate binding and temperature stability, by applying the protein engineering toolbox established in our lab.  We will identify hotspots on the amino acid sequence that control activity and stability, and then proceed to create and assay variants for the trait we seek to improve.
The students will learn how to cultivate, express, and harvest proteins from Pichia pastoris and then learn how to use the FPLC system for protein purification. UV spec assays and protein assays will be taught for characterization of protein variants.  This project requires knowledge of biochemistry and some kinetics.
Mentor: Dr. Bettina Bommarius (bettina.bommarius@chbe.gatech.edu)

3.  Redesign of amine dehydrogenase via protein engineering
Amine dehydrogenase (AmDH), developed in our lab, catalyzes the reduction of ketones to enantiomeri-cally pure amines, which are important building blocks in syntheses of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).  Using the established library screen to investigate hot spot sites in amine dehydrogenase, the student will start with an already cloned library to screen colonies for expression and activity of the new variants in regard to higher activity and broader selectivity.  Approximately between 100-1000 colonies will be screened during the process of investigation of the 2 amino acid sites making up the hot spot.
     The student will learn protein expression and purification techniques along with assays to explore and confirm enzymatic activity using state-of-the-art technologies in protein engineering such as AKTA Explorer for protein purification, gas chromatography, circular dichroism, and mutational library construction. The work will require knowledge of organic chemistry, biochemistry, and kinetics.
Mentors: Dr. Bettina Bommarius (bettina.bommarius@chbe.gatech.edu) and Samantha Au (sau3@gatech.edu)

4.  Large-scale purification protocol for amine dehydrogenases
Application of amine dehydrogenase (AmDH) in the synthesis of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) requires its purification after fermentation.  We have conducted pilot-scale fermentation and now need to develop a purification protocol that does not require any chromatographic steps, as these are too expensive for large-scale downstream processing. 
Instead, we will focus on protein extraction in aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS), with ammonium sulfate in the top phase and polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymer in the bottom phase.  We will determine the phase diagram with and without enzyme, and its variation in temperature, salt and PEG concentration as well as pH of the solution. After determining the optimal conditions, we will then develop the detailed purification protocol, with protein purity and yield as our main targets, and conduct proof-of-principle trial runs on pilot scale.
    The student will learn the full range of protein purification techniques along with assays for protein content and activity, using state-of-the-art technologies in protein engineering such as AKTA Explorer for protein purification, UV/VIS spectroscopy, and gas chromatography.  The work will require knowledge of thermodynamics and separations.
Mentors: Dr. Bettina Bommarius (bettina.bommarius@chbe.gatech.edu) and Samantha Au (sau3@gatech.edu)

Interdisciplinary Research Opportunity for Undergraduates.

Project Title:  New Dielectric Materials for Microelectronics Packaging

Location: In the laboratory of Prof. Paul Kohl, Bunger-Henry Building, School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.

Duration: The candidate must be available for at least two semesters, Fall 2013 and Spring 2014. This position can be for pay, academic credit as a Technical Elective, or a combination of the two if the contact hours justify it.

Qualifications: The candidate should be currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering. Prior experience with working in a laboratory is an advantage but not required.  Candidate must have successfully completed ChBE 2100. 

Background: Funding is through the Opportunity Research Scholars' (ORS) program in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department.  The program is sponsored by Intel, Semiconductor Research Corporation, SAIC, and more.  ORS is a group-based, interdisciplinary program designed to provide research experience for undergraduates. The undergraduate students work in groups of about three to a group. The groups are given a technical problem and expected to collaboratively solve the problem though experimental research.  

Job description: The candidate will work with two ECE undergraduate students in a group setting.  Students will be involved in a research project dealing with advanced dielectrics for integrated circuits and electronic packaging.  The project will require creative problem solving, especially in chemical routes to new dielectric materials and characterization of properties.  The student will gain knowledge in microelectronics, polymer chemistry, and dielectric materials.  Hands-on experience will be gained in microelectronics processing and polymer characterization techniques. 

Contact: Interested students should send his/her resume and transcript to Jared Schwartz at jared.schwartz@chbe.gatech.edu

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

The GREEN Program upcoming program dates

The GREEN Program is a short-term experience which combines education, adventure, service learning, cultural immersion and networking to create an unparalleled learning experience in Iceland & Costa Rica.

Upon completion of the program you will receive:
* Experiential Education visiting 5 different types of renewable energy facilities

* Service Learning through community service projects in impoverished areas

* Adventures such as surfing, glacier & jungle hiking or tectonic plate snorkeling

* Cultural Immersion in local tribes, eco-lodges or animal rehabilitation reserves

* Entrepreneurial inspiration developing your own green venture

* Access to our alumni network with job opportunities and industry connections

* Custom letters of recommendation based on your capstone project

* Transferable academic credit awarded by Reykjavik University (must confirm this with a transfer evaluation first.)

Traveling with The GREEN Program for 9-12 days during Summer, Winter and Spring breaks will enhance your understanding of the Renewable Energy and Sustainability industries by taking you outside of the classroom and into the field allowing you to visualize the concepts taught in your traditional University classroom.

To gain a better understanding of The GREEN Program and the opportunity we provide 
students please visit their website,

Spots on each program are limited to 20 students. Submit your application for the program dates below.

Iceland 10-Day SUMMER BREAK Program
August 21st - August 30th (Waiting List)
-----------------
Costa Rica 12-Day SUMMER BREAK Programs
(start dates)
July 17, 24, 31
August 21, 28
-----------------
Costa Rica 12-Day WINTER BREAK Programs
December 11th - December 22nd
January 1st - January 12th
January 8th - January 19th

Costa Rica 9-Day SPRING BREAK Programs
Wait List Dates TBD

Iceland 10-Day SUMMER BREAK Programs
Wait List Dates TB

Questions?  Contact Ernesto Daset 

ernesto@theGREENprogram.com | (201) 345-3737 

MSE 3801:Special Topics class

 Here is a rare one-credit course which could fulfill a technical elective: Check it out during Phase II registration--only a few seats left...

Invitation to a Hands-on Conceptual Lab Course (0-3-1)
MSE 3801: Special Topics: Optics and Soft Materials

* Lab Sections: A: Tue. 12:05-2:55 pm, BH 357 or B: Tue. 3:05-5:55 pm, BH 357
* Prerequisite: MSE 2001 !
* An elective course in Fall 2013.
* An introductory inquiry-guided lab course for undergrads
* Optical microscope is the only tool to use !
* Open to everyone, but only up to first 24 students !

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

GT 1000 Team Leaders needed!


The Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering section of GT 1000 is currently recruiting!

We are looking for ChBE students who are willing and able to help first year students transition into life at Tech. We would like to have a total of 20-25 students who have diverse experiences within chemical engineering and campus life. Being a Team Leader involves being present for the one hour course, along with aiding in grading, presentations, and panel discussions to help first year students learn about the many experiences available through Georgia Tech (campus life, organizations, internship/co-op, study abroad, etc.).

If you are interested or would like more information, please follow this link!

Monday, June 3, 2013

Fulbright Grant and NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Info Sessions

The Georgia Tech Fellowships Office is hosting two information sessions for rising seniors and graduate students to help you learn about two important award opportunities: the Fulbright Grant and the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship.

You are invited to attend one or both information sessions to learn about the Fulbright Grant and the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship.  GT Fellowships Office staff and special guests will speak at both sessions.  If you are interested in learning more about the award and the application process OR if you are already preparing an application, these sessions are for you!

Fulbright Info Session: Monday, June 10th from 12:00 pm-1:00 pm in Clough 129
Special guests include two recent GT graduates who will share about their experiences as Fulbright recipients.

NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Info Session: Tuesday, June 18th from 12:00 pm-1:00 pm in Clough 129
Faculty presenter: Dr. Manu Platt. 
Dr. Platt is a Professor in the Coulter Dept. of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory University. 

If you have any questions regarding these info sessions or national fellowships, please contact Kathryn Meehan at kathryn.meehan@gatech.edu. 

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Attention: Graduating Seniors in Fall 2013

If you anticipate completing your program of study in FALL 2013, you must complete the Online Application for Graduation this semester.  There are a few steps you should take BEFORE:
  • Confirm that your major, minor and any concentration is listed correctly in your records.  If anything is inaccurate, it must be fixed BEFORE you complete the application. 
  •  If you are pursuing the Biotechnology concentration, make sure it is listed in your records!  If not, you must add it to your record—see link:  http://www.degreeworks.gatech.edu/images/training/concentration_mgt.pdf
  • In addition to the Online Application for Graduation, students with a minor must also submit an "Approved Program of Study for Undergraduate Minors" form that is signed by your major and minor advisor. These forms and the requirements for a minor are located at:www.catalog.gatech.edu/academics/minors.php
 The Online Application for FALL 2013 is open in OSCAR from Wednesday, May 22 to Saturday, June 15, 2013.  Please log in and complete the document during this window.  Questions?  Follow this link for detailed information:  http://www.registrar.gatech.edu/students/deginfo/oag.php


Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Open Positions with Frito-Lay

Frito-Lay R&D currently has several open position that they are seeking to fill within the June-August time frame. The roles are available within the R&D organization in Dallas in the corporate offices of Frito-Lay, and the job descriptions are as follows:

This position could range from an R&D Engineer to Associate Principal Engineer depending on experience.
•    Lead technical assignments for the Frito-Lay team in the areas of new product development, process development, product/process improvement.
•    Lead the identification, assessment, validation and commercialization of new technologies.
•    Utilize scientific methods to develop knowledge that creates business opportunities that support the company strategic market objectives.
•    Provide technical and business risk assessment/perspectives related to new product development.
•    Design and execute experiments, and analyze and interpret data to make sound technical recommendations on product and process issues.
•    Leverage external and internal experts for key analytical and sensory research.
•    Participate as an active member of cross-functional business development teams comprised of individuals from a variety of disciplines, including Marketing, Purchasing, Engineering and other groups.

Qualifications:
•    BS Chemical Engineering, Food Process Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
•    2+ years Experience - Research and/or Industry.
•    Experience in a wide range of food product and process development and commercialization preferred.
•    High level understanding of product formulation and development, ingredient technology, food processing, food safety, process control and quality management.
•    Self-starter with excellent oral and written communication skills, the ability to work with various personalities and work styles, and good influence management skills.
•    Demonstrated ability to translate business objectives into strategic and tactical project goals and objectives.
•    Proven ability to make significant technical scientific advances utilizing internal and/or external resources.
•    Strong communication skills (oral and written).
•    Must be willing and able to travel 25% of the time.

For further information, please contact:
Enrique Michel
Frito-Lay R&D, Principal Engineer
7701 Legacy dr. Plano, TX 75024
Enrique.Michel@PepsiCo.com

Summer Research position available


The Bommarius lab offers a summer position as of May 6, 2013, for an advanced undergraduate or graduate student, or recent graduate to complete a DOE STTR-SBIR phase II project on the
 
Removal of ammonia and water to enhance yield of beta-lactam syntheses through suppression of secondary hydrolysis 

The project combines the use of biocatalysts to synthesize beta-lactam antibiotics, specifically ampicillin as a model, with the use of a hollow-fiber membrane contactor to withdraw ammonia, the by-product of the synthesis:       
                                                                            PGA     
   D-phenylglycine-amide  +  6-aminopenicillanic acid            ®        ampicillin    +   NH3/NH4+

Hydrolysis                                                                  PGA     
side reaction:               D-phenylglycine-amide  +  H2O  ®     D-phenylglycine  +  NH3/NH4+            
PGA = penicillin G acylase.   

If successful, such a novel process to synthesize beta-lactams could lead to less expensive anti-infectives. The focus of the work will be on the transport of ammonia through the membrane.  The membrane module itself will be supplied by our collaborator, Compact Membrane Systems (CMS) of Newark, DE.  Also, some parts of the characterization are envisioned to take place in CMS’ labs in Newark, DE.  

We have developed a variant of penicillin G acylase (PGA) in the Bommarius lab that strongly favors synthesis over hydrolysis.  Enzyme is available, the assays are worked out.  After characterization of ammonia transport through the membrane, we will run the PGA-catalyzed reaction to ampicillin through the hollow-fiber membrane contactor, remove ammonia, and seek to optimize yield and selectivity.

In summary, the work entails the following items:
1.      Characterization of transport of ammonia through the hollow-fiber membrane module from aqueous solution, mainly as function of concentration, pH value & transmembrane pressure
2.      Ampicillin synthesis in a membrane contactor loop reactor; ampicillin yield as a function of substrate concentrations, pH value, and selected other variables.
 
Publication opportunity is envisioned and is strongly encouraged.   Interested?:  Please email resume to Prof. Andreas S. Bommarius (andreas.bommarius@chbe.gatech.edu).

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Undergraduate Research Assistant needed

Location: In the laboratory of Prof. Mark Prausnitz, School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA.

Duration: This position will start in Summer 2013. This position is unpaid but provides academic credit.

Qualifications: The candidate should be currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biochemistry or a related science program. Prior experience with working in a laboratory setting is an advantage but not required.

Background: The National Institutes of Health has awarded Georgia Tech a grant to fund development of a novel dissolving microneedle patch for influenza vaccination and bring it into a Phase I clinical trial in 2014-2015. Based on 15 years of research and 70 journal articles on microneedles, Georgia Tech has developed prototype microneedle patches and tested them extensively on animals to demonstrate influenza vaccination efficacy. Microneedles are micron-scale structures (see figure) that painlessly pierce into the skin surface, thereby depositing vaccine in the upper layers of skin. This route of administration has a number of advantages, including the possibility of self-administration and increased vaccine immunogenicity.

Job description: This position provides a unique opportunity to be part of a product development team that is developing a dissolving microneedle patch for influenza vaccination for a Phase I clinical trial. The candidate will be assisting in preparing formulations, carrying out assays for quantitative analysis of vaccine loading in patches and assessment of its stability in test prototypes. The candidate will gain knowledge and hands-on experience running various analytical assays such as ELISA and protein assays.

Contact: If interested, please send your resume and cover letter to Priya Kalluri at priya.kalluri@chbe.gatech.edu

The Art of Drawing


Summer Architecture Course Available Campus Wide 
The course listed below is open to students across campus.  Please join us this summer! 

The Art of Drawing – Arch 4411 (Intro to Visual Arts)  is open to all interested GT students in any major.  It is the intention of this course to explore the art of drawing in both theory and technique.  The course will include studio work and field trip exercises.  The course will culminate with the exploration of a topic of each student’s choosing, illustrated with appropriate drawings.  While a meaningful course, this promises to be a lot of fun for the summer.  Please request the course description and syllabus from your academic advisor if you are interested.