Congratulations to Nelanne Bolima, ‘24 chemical engineering, biotechnology & bioengineering track, the president of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) student chapter and the leadership team of NSBE on receiving the Organization of the Year Award. UMBC’s Office of Student Affairs recognized NSBE during the annual end of the year event, CelebratingOrgs which honors and recognizes student organizations for their valuable work at UMBC. 

Recently, the NSBE chapter at UMBC, under the leadership of Nelanne Bolima and Conference Planning Chair Jean-Thierry Klassou, attended the NSBE50 Annual Convention in Atlanta, GA. During the convention, UMBC actively participated in both the Academic Tech Bowl and the Technical Research Competition. Their exceptional contributions and dedication were recognized with the prestigious R2 Membership Zone Award, highlighting their significant growth, engagement, and impact within the NSBE community.

Organization of the Year Award Description - The Student Organization of the Year award is presented to an organization that has made a significant effort to further its purpose through its contribution to the UMBC community. This award recognizes the student organization that has demonstrated consistent flexibility, initiative, creativity, and perseverance through its activities and programs. Furthermore, the organization embodies the UMBC spirit through its commitment to leadership development, collaboration among groups, and programmatic efforts to enhance the quality of campus life at UMBC. The Student Organization of the Year is considered a role model for other organizations on our campus.

Read more about NSBE’s success 

Read more about Nelanne’s research in Dr. Mark Marten’s lab: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/cbee/posts/133755

An Dang ’24: A chemical engineer who helped pull off a big student conference

By: Catherine Meyers | Published: May 21, 2024 | UMBC NEWS

An Dang ’24, chemical engineering, an international student from Vietnam, arrived at UMBC in 2021 as a transfer student from Montgomery College. When switching colleges, she also switched majors: from biology to chemical engineering. She quickly became involved in activities in the Department of Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering and this year helped the student chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) pull together a major student conference for the first time. 

Q: What drew you to UMBC?

A: I talked to Mark Marten, the chair of the Department of Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering (CBEE), and I got the sense that the department is small and they really support their students. That caring environment is what I wanted. It’s also, honestly, an affordable option.

Q: Who were some of your mentors?

A: I’m working in the lab of Lee Blaney, one of the environmental engineering professors. He’s my research advisor and really helped me navigate the process of applying to grad school. In the fall, I’m going to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor to pursue my Ph.D. And Neha Raikar, a senior lecturer in the department, devotes so much of her time to making sure students are supported. She’s like a motherly figure for a lot of us.

Q: What clubs and activities were you involved in?

A: I was a CBEE student ambassador. We went to high schools and community colleges to advertise the department and answer student questions. I’m also involved in the AIChE student chapter. At first I was the service chair and I mostly helped with planning K-12 outreach events. This year, we hosted the AIChE Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference and I was on the planning committee. I was in charge of corporate and university relations—I helped secure sponsors for the conference, and made sure we had funding.

Q: What were some of the skills you developed serving in these roles?

A: I’m not an extrovert, and being in these roles forced me to go out of my comfort zone. I learned how to speak professionally with people in higher positions, so they take me seriously, and maybe even want to give us money. The other big thing I realized is that no matter how well I prepare, sometimes things will go wrong, and that’s okay. We all need to give ourselves grace.

Q: How did it feel to host a big conference?

A: It was a lot of hard work! The student organizers spent a lot of time together, and we really got to know each other well and develop close relationships. There are only 28 people from the department in my graduating class, and many of them are in AIChE. When the conference went well, it felt great!

Q: What other places did you find community at UMBC?

A: I am an international student, and I worked for International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). I got to know some of the staff in the office really well. One problem that I ran into while I was here is that I lost my social security card. I had a lot of challenges getting a new one because there was a mix-up in the social security office with my middle and first name. ISSS helped me write a very good letter to justify my case, and I finally got my card. I’m very grateful that I got that help from them because it’s an important piece of documentation.

Q: What are your plans for the future?

A: I’m continuing in chemical engineering and plan to go to grad school to study catalysis engineering, which is studying how to speed up chemical reactions. I’d like to work in industry, particularly in the field of renewable energy. Anything that helps with the environment—that’s what I want to focus on.

Photo credit: An Dang (Marlayna Demond '11/UMBC)

Excerpt from UMBC News:

From solar energy harvesting to advanced batteries: Cohort of new engineering faculty bolster UMBC’s commitment to Earth-friendly research

By: Catherine Meyers | Published: May 10, 2024 

This April 22, as the campus community celebrated Earth Day, the feel of spring’s natural reawakening was in the air. Birds chirped from newly leafed trees and students strolled in the bright sunshine. But the pleasant day belied a concerning trend: In Maryland and beyond, the balance of Earth’s life-supporting systems is shifting, driven in large part by the heat-trapping greenhouse gasses we humans send into the atmosphere. The Earth is getting hotter; weather patterns are changing; and ecosystems are under stress. 

“Climate change is pressing us to adopt a more Earth-friendly lifestyle, to develop renewable energy,” says Dr. Özgür Çapraz, an associate professor in the department of chemical, biochemical, and environmental engineering at UMBC, who studies advanced battery technologies. Çapraz, who joined UMBC in fall 2023 from a faculty position at Oklahoma State University, was one of three recent faculty hires in the College of Engineering and Information Technology (COEIT) who all specialize in different aspects of sustainability and renewable energy-related research. 

The three hires were part of a COEIT effort to build off recognized strength in the environmental domain, while expanding expertise in important areas such as energy, says Lee Blaney, a professor in the department of chemical, biochemical, and environmental engineering who chaired the search.

Read full article

PHOTO CREDIT: From left to right, Özgür Çapraz, Rajasekhar Anguluri, and Alok Ghanekar. (Marlayna Demond ’11/UMBC)

Congratulations to the AIChE Student Chapter on receiving the Event of the Year Winner during UMBC Office of Student Affairs annual end of the year event, CelebratingOrgs which honors and recognizes student organizations for their valuable work at UMBC. 

Event of the Year Winner - AIChE Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference

Event of the Year Award Description - While events are made to better the UMBC community and celebrate our grit and greatness as a campus, the events made by student organizations are like no other. Student organization events celebrate the diversity of our cultures and beliefs, educate the community, and provide a space to unwind from the stress of the school year. This award recognizes the student organization for the Event of the Year. 

AIChE Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference details - As the premier chemical engineering student conference in the region, this event brought over 350 attendees from 30+ different universities and industry sponsors to the UMBC campus. While the conference is geared toward undergraduate students, the conference hosted several graduate students, post-docs, faculty and staff, and industry professionals. The conference was a hub for extensive student networking, professional development opportunities, and friendly competition. Specifically, the event included a career fair alongside several industry-sponsored workshops and keynote addresses which helped attendees build their networks and shape their careers. A committee of 13 undergraduate students planned the event, which allowed numerous students to gain invaluable leadership and project management experience. These students worked tirelessly to connect with and coordinate the efforts of numerous UMBC departments and services including the CBEE Department (Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering), COEIT College of Engineering and Information Technology), OIA (Office of Institutional Advancement), Career Center, UMBC Graduate School, and ECS (Event and Conference Services). Through these efforts, over $60,000 in total was raised. 

Committee Members: 

Sponsorship & Funding Sub-Chair                      Raey Hunde

Corporate & University Relations Sub-Chair      An Dang

Corporate & University Relations Sub-Chair      Danny Sebrosky

ChemE Car Sub-Chair                                         Afrah Ahmed

ChemE Car Sub-Chair                                         Ahmed Al-Anesi

ChemE Car Sub-Chair                                         Jacob Craft

ChemE Jeopardy Sub-Chair                               Anh Bui

Workshops Sub-Chair                                         Nelanne Bolima

Workshops Sub-Chair                                         Meredith Morse

Research Presentations Sub-Chair                   Sarah Yoda

Logistics Sub-Chair                                            John Velkey

Communications Sub-Chair                               Terra Miley

Committee Chair                                                 Pavan Umashankar

Congratulations to Dr. Lee Blaney, professor of chemical, biochemical, and environmental engineering for Marilyn E. Demorest Award for Faculty Advancement at annual Presidential Faculty and Staff Awards.

Click here to view more

Congratulations to Nathaniel Glover, ’25 chemical engineering, biotechnology and bioengineering track on receiving the prestigious Barry Goldwater Scholarship! Nathaniel's dedication to research and innovation shines through in his work on developing a dual-phase steel to combat hydrogen embrittlement. As a Meyerhoff Scholar, Nathaniel exemplifies UMBC's commitment to fostering excellence in STEM fields.

UMBC's remarkable streak of producing Goldwater Scholars for the fifth consecutive year reflects the university's unwavering support for student success. With 31 Goldwater Scholars since 2005, UMBC continues to stand out as a leader in undergraduate research and scholarship.

Nathaniel's experience in the lab of C. Cem Taşan at MIT, coupled with mentorship from Dr. Kyung-Shik Kim, has undoubtedly shaped his journey and prepared him for future endeavors. We're thrilled to see Nathaniel's passion and hard work recognized with this prestigious scholarship, which will undoubtedly propel him towards a bright future in academia and beyond.

Here's to Nathaniel Glover and UMBC's continued tradition of excellence in research and scholarship! 

Nelanne Bolima, ‘24 chemical engineering, biotechnology & bioengineering track was honored as the Black Undergraduate Student of the Year award by the Black Graduate Student Organization (BGSO). This recognition emphasizes Nelanne's dedication to excellence and her significant contributions to the community.

In her gratitude, Nelanne extends heartfelt thanks to her peers, mentors, and the BGSO and NSBE community for their unwavering support and inspiration. Motivated by this honor, Nelanne pledges to continue striving for excellence and making positive impacts.

Read more about Nelanne’s research in Dr. Mark Marten’s lab: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/cbee/posts/133755

Jahir A. Batista-Andrade, PhD ‘23 Environmental Engineering, Diego Iglesias Vega, BS ‘23 Chemical Engineering, Anna McClain, MS ‘2023 Environmental Engineering, with Dr. Lee Blaney have a new paper, published in the ACS Publications. The title of the paper is: "Geospatial Variability of Fluorescent Dissolved Organic Matter in Urban Watersheds: Relationships with Land Cover and Wastewater Infrastructure".

Publication is available here

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.3c07925

Abstract: We investigated the fluorescent dissolved organic matter (FDOM) composition in two watersheds with variable land cover and wastewater infrastructure, including sanitary sewers and septic systems. A four-component parallel factor analysis model was constructed from 295 excitation–emission matrices recorded for stream samples to examine relationships between FDOM and geospatial parameters. The contributions of humic acid- and fulvic acid-like fluorescence components (e.g., C1, C2, C3) were fairly consistent across a 12 month period for the 27 sampling sites. In contrast, the protein-like fluorescence component (C4) and a related ratiometric wastewater indicator (C4/C3) exhibited high variability in urban tributaries, suggesting that some sites were impacted by leaking sewer infrastructure. Principal component analysis indicated that urban areas clustered with impervious surfaces and sanitary sewer density, and cross-covariance analysis identified strong positive correlations between C4, impervious surfaces, and sanitary sewer density at short lag distances. The presence of wastewater was confirmed by detection of sucralose (up to 1,660 ng L–1) and caffeine (up to 1,740 ng L–1). Our findings not only highlight the potential for C4 to serve as an indicator of nearby, compromised sanitary sewer infrastructure, but also suggest that geospatial data can be used to predict areas vulnerable to wastewater contamination.

Watch: A recap of URCAD 2024

UMBC’s Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day (URCAD) returned earlier this month for its 28th year, bringing together more than 400 student presenters and the broader university community for a day filled with posters, performances, demonstrations, and much more. 

With excitement and energy in the air of the University Center, undergraduate students—many accompanied by faculty mentors—presented a broad range of research and creative projects to peers, family, friends, and inquiring minds of all kinds. The day included a film festival, interactive video game demonstrations, musical performances, a photography and painting exhibition, as well as poster board and oral presentations from students across colleges. 

Among this year’s group of presenters was Chiad Onyeje ’24, chemical engineering, who explained the research he’s worked on for nearly three years to develop “spherical shells that we can use as internal Band-Aids” he said in this URCAD 2024 recap video. 

“URCAD is different from any other presentations that I’ve been able to give on my research thus far. It really felt like a celebration in comparison,” said Onyeje. “I could go in, have a good time, talk about my research to interested parties, and share why I love this project so much—because it can help people.”

Congratulations to all CBEE students who participated in the URCAD 2024!

Read more about all CBEE participants: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/cbee/posts/141053

Congratulations to Dr. Lee Blaney and his team!

Dr. Lee Blaney, professor of chemical, biochemical, and environmental engineering, received funding for his project titled “Novel functionalization of conventional sorbents for enhanced selectivity and improved concentration of ultrashort- and short-chain PFAS” from the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) and Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP). This project is part of the FY 2024 solicitations for SERDP and ESTCP. This project is a collaboration with Dr. Ke He (UMBC), Dr. Wenqing Xu (Villanova University), and Dr. Jessica Ray (University of Washington).

Project Title: Novel functionalization of conventional sorbents for enhanced selectivity and

improved concentration of ultrashort- and short-chain PFAS

Lead Principal Investigator: Lee Blaney

Objective: The overall goal of this project is to improve commercially available adsorbents, such as

anion-exchange resins and granular activity carbon, through specific surface chemistry modifications that enhance the capacity and selectivity for 18 ultrashort- and short-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). In particular, we will develop (i) hybrid anion-exchange (HAIX) resins, (ii) metal oxide-biochar composites, and (iii) multi-PFAS templated molecularly imprinted polymers on granular activated carbon (mMIP@GAC) adsorbents. These novel materials will be developed, characterized, and evaluated for adsorption, desorption, and performance in PFAS-impacted waters collected from DoD facilities.

Technical Approach: The proposed HAIX, metal oxide-biochar, and mMIP@GAC adsorbents represent paradigm shifts that will improve our ability to remove ultrashort- and short-chain PFAS from impacted waters. We have identified 18 ultrashort- and short-chain PFAS as targets, but additional chemicals of concern will be considered during the project period. The project objective will be achieved through (i) materials development and characterization, (ii) batch adsorption tests to identify isotherm parameters, determine the impacts of water quality parameters, and measure mass transport properties, (iii) batch regeneration tests to optimize not only PFAS desorption, but also PFAS destruction in downstream processes, and (iv) column tests to demonstrate the performance of the proposed materials in at least six real waters collected from DoD facilities, extend treatment capacity compared to the base materials, and measure design parameters needed for future scale-up efforts.

Benefits: The expected outcomes of this work include (i) improved capabilities for the removal and concentration of ultrashort- and short-chain PFAS in ex situ water treatment processes or remediation operations, (ii) better understanding of the fundamental adsorption-desorption behavior of PFAS with innovative adsorbents designed for treatment of PFAS that are poorly adsorbed by conventional materials and (iii) enhanced regeneration protocols that are amenable to downstream PFAS destruction. As all three adsorbent classes build upon commercially available materials, we are confident in the feasibility of technology transfer and timely implementation at DoD facilities. The main benefit to DoD stems from the improved removal of ultrashort- and short-chain PFAS in fixed-bed adsorption reactors. This outcome is important because the targeted compounds, represent a liability for future regulatory requirements based on total PFAS mass concentrations.