Multiple Research Positions Available!!

Research Positions for Undergraduates, Fall term 2012

(Read all for Bommarius and Kawajiri) 

Kawajiri research group is looking for an undergraduate researcher in the Fall 2012 Semester. If you are interested, please send your (1) resume and (2) expected graduate date to the supervisor of the project and set up an appointment  to discuss your interest.

Project 1: Experimental study of simulated moving bed chromatography

In this project, the student will develop a mathematical model that describes SMB chromatography. The student must be interested in mathematical modeling of separation processes.

Eligibility:

 1. Completed or currently taking CHBE 2120 Numerical Methods.

 2. GPA at Georgia Tech > 3.40.

 3. Interested in pursuing this project for credits in Fall 2012, and continuing it for further credits or pay . 

Project supervisors: Jason Bentley (jason.bentley@chbe.gatech.edu) or Gaurav Agrawal (gaurav@gatech.edu)

Project 2: Simulation and design of simulated moving bed chromatography

In this project, the student will use a commercial simulator to design an SMB process. The student must be interested in mathematical modeling and numerical methods of separation processes. 

Eligibility:

 1. Completed or currently taking CHBE 2120 Numerical Methods.

 2. GPA at Georgia Tech > 3.40.

 3. Interested in pursuing this project for credits in Fall 2012.

Project supervisor: Yoshiaki Kawajiri (ykawajiri@chbe.gatech.edu).

More information can be found at http://kawajiri.chbe.gatech.edu

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 doctoral degree, preferentially a PhD, after
college, to work on cutting-edge research problems and to learn new skills.

Eligibility:
i) graduation date (B.S.) between 05/13 and 05/15 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 2012 for credit, continuation during 2013 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 Dr. Min Jeong Sohn (msohn8@mail.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)