my Research History
      Beginning at Denison University, through inorganic laboratory experimental research (1998-2001), I investigated synthetic routes to calixarene compounds for use as catalysts in pharmaceutical synthesis. This translates into plenty of white-coated lab time using typical synthetic methods and analytical tools, and some not-so-typical synthesis in nitrogen-environment dry-boxes and vacuum line experiments. While at Denison, I also worked as a lab technician for Flexo-Tech, a consultant to the printing and ink industry in Columbus, Ohio. Since environmental science and related research intrigued me, I took the initiative in my senior year to design my own project exploring remediation technologies for Cr(VI) contaminated sites. Designing experiments and setting my own research agenda lead me to graduate school, but in engineering where I could focus on the applicability of environmental technologies.

      A search for a graduate program lead me to interview at Princeton, University of Texas and Austin, and many other top-tier schools. However, Clarkson University in upstate New York stood out because of their engineering reputation and a special program called EvMM funded by an NSF IGERT. Environmental Manufacturing Management fellows (EvMMers), were expected to formulate thesis topics while at a residency in industry or government- mine was with the US EPA's National Risk Management Laboratory in Cincinnati, Ohio. Mid- PhD, I moved to Chicago with my advisor to the University of Illinois at Chicago to begin the Institute for Environmental Science and Policy (IESP), where I finished my PhD in 2007. Throughout my dissertation on 'The Environmental and Economic Impacts of Biobased Production,' I have developed models of environmental and industrial systems, used system optimization methods to evaluate economic and regulatory constraints on these systems, modeled the fate and transport of nutrients associated with agricultural systems, experimented with new ways to assess and incorporate uncertainty and variability into engineering tools, and become an expert in Life Cycle Analysis.

      I'm looking for exciting and fullfilling new experiences. I tend to always think about the big picture, and this has proven a very useful skill in utilizing my engineering skills for problem solving. Having completed my PhD at the University of Illinois at Chicago, I am excited to pursue new research projects in new areas at the University of Pittsburgh.