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.

Career Connectors: 

Ariel Wilson-Gray, ‘26 chemical engineering - biotechnology & bioengineering track, 

When did you do your Internship?

Summer 2023

Where was your Internship?

Purdue University with Dr. Tamara Kinzer-Ursem

What is the focus of your Internship?

Optimizing Antibody Conjugation using F-C Specific Oligonucleotides

What are you looking forward to the most about your Internship? 

Before I started, I was most excited to step foot in a real lab and work on projects on my own.

What was the best part of your Internship OR What was the biggest learning moment of your Internship ?

As this was my first internship, the graduate student I worked with was very accommodating and I was able to learn a lot of new techniques including gel-electrophoresis, western blot, and NanoDrop.

What advice do you have for students who are interested in getting involved in research or an internship?

Go for it! Even if the topic is not exactly what you’re interested in, the experience can help hone your interest and maybe introduce a new one.

Are you a member of any clubs/campus organizations?

NOBCChE, ChewMBC, NSBE, AIChE

What are your goals after graduation?

PhD in Biomedical Engineering

Learn more about Ariel Wilson-Gray: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariel-wilson-gray-428646236/

Congratulations are extended to all participants for their exceptional contributions and remarkable achievements of CBEE faculty and graduate students  during the 2023 ACS Conference in San Francisco, CA.

ACS BIOT TANK COMPETITION

Vikash Kumar, chemical and biochemical engineering Ph.D., who emerged victorious at the 2023 BIOT Tank competition, organized by ACS BIOT (Division of Biochemical Technology of the American Chemical Society)  at the 2023 ACS conference in San Francisco, CA. 

Kumar's company, Breathable Bioprocessing, showcased their groundbreaking solution: a breathable flask paired with a non-invasive sensor system designed for shake flask, t-flask, and G-Rex applications. His innovative solutions in bioprocessing captured the attention of both industry experts and peers, highlighting his commitment to advancing the field.

Watch Vikash’s video here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/vikashk-as4711_bio-works-x-breathable-bioprocessing-at-acs-biot-activity-7097479059839811584-0t17/

POSTER & ORAL PRESENTATIONS

Hasib Hasan is an Electrical Engineering PhD student advised by Dr. Gary Carter with a research interest in biosensor development and prototyping. Hasib works in CAST under the guidance of Dr. Govind Rao.  He did a poster presentation at ACS Conference 2023 on "Machine Learning Techniques in Online Glucose Monitoring Using Glucose Binding Protein-Based Sensor: Application in Bioprocesses". 

Poster title: “Machine learning techniques in online glucose monitoring using glucose binding protein-based sensor: Application in bioprocesses”

Read here

Vida Rahmatnejad is a chemical and biochemical engineering Ph.D. student advised by Dr. Govind Rao with a research interest in noninvasive process monitoring for cell therapy applications. She presented a talk  at ACS Conference on her research titled “Noninvasive Bioprocess Monitoring for Cell Therapy Applications”

Talk Title: Noninvasive Bioprocess Monitoring for Cell Therapy Applications 

Watch Vida’s talk here

Tyler R. Josephson, an assistant professor of chemical, biochemical and environmental engineering, captivated the audience with his talk at the ACS Conference.

Talk Title: AI tools for discovering molecular interaction equations

Read here

Upal Ghosh,  professor of chemical, biochemical and environmental engineering, paid tribute to his former mentor Richard Luthy by organizing a special session at the conference. As a mark of respect and gratitude, Ghosh orchestrated an event that celebrated Luthy's invaluable contributions to the field. 

Dr. Blaney, professor of chemical, biochemical and environmental engineering, Dr. He, post doctoral research, '17 chemical and biochemical engineering Ph.D and Sahar Souizi, environmental engineering phd student gave oral presentations at  ACS Fall 2023 

Blaney, L.; Mangalgiri, K. Photodegradation of antibiotics in the presence of agriculturally-derived organic matter. Fall 2023 ACS National Meeting (San Francisco, CA), August 13-17, 2023.

Souizi, S.; Chen, H.; Stewart, K.; Blaney, L. Sustainable nutrient recovery with novel tube-in-tube Donnan dialysis reactors. Fall 2023 ACS National Meeting (San Francisco, CA), August 13-17, 2023.

He, K.; Liang, J.; Siao, M.; Ellington, M.; Chen, H.; Stewart, K.; Blaney, L. Development of anion-exchange membranes as passive samplers for diverse per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.   Fall 2023 ACS National Meeting (San Francisco, CA), August 13-17, 2023.

The UMBC LSAMP 2022-2023 Annual Report highlights involvement in the UMBC LOUIS STOKES ALLIANCE FOR MINORITY PARTICIPATION (LSAMP) program. LSAMP participants have access to individualized advising, campus workshops, funded research experiences, and national and international conferences to strengthen their STEM identity and promote entry into top graduate programs. 

We want to specifically celebrate the achievements of those pursuing their bachelors of science in chemical engineering and the departmental faculty supporting their efforts. 

ANNUAL BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH CONFERENCE FOR MINORITIZED STUDENTS (ABRCMS) (Page 11)

Name| Major| Topic | Faculty Advisor

Evalynn Ellison | Chemical Engineering | Molecular Biotechnology | Dr. Brandon DeKosky

Ariel Wilson-Gray | Chemical Engineering | Bioengineering | Dr. Tamara Kinzer-Ursem 

SUMMER 2023 RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM (Page 27)

Name and Class | Major |Topic| Faculty Mentor | University

Nhyira Ghunney ‘24 | Biological Sciences | Tissue Engineering | Dr. Erin Lavik | UMBC 

Amaya Johnson ‘25 | Biological Sciences | Tissue Engineering | Dr. Erin Lavik | UMBC

CLASS OF 2023 GRADUATING FELLOWS AND POST-GRADUATION PLANS (Page 34-35)

Joana Hernandez Chemical Engineering Prospective Graduate Student

Diego Iglesias Vega Chemical Engineering Graduate Student at MIT

Rachel Myers Chemical Engineering PhD Student at Massachusetts Institute of Technology