Brettmann’s current research focuses on developing technologies that enable multicomponent, rapidly customizable product design, with a specific focus on polymer systems.
Brettmann received her Ph.D. in chemical engineering at MIT in 2012 working with the Novartis-MIT Center for Continuous Manufacturing under Bernhardt Trout. Later, she worked on polymer-based wet coatings and dispersions for various applications at Saint-Gobain Ceramics and Plastics. She went on to serve as a postdoctoral researcher in the Institute for Molecular Engineering at the University of Chicago with Matthew Tirrell. Below is a brief Q&A with Brettmann in which she discusses her research focus areas and how they influence the interface of polymer science and wood-based materials research at Georgia Tech.
My expertise is in polymer science and materials design for manufacturability. I got excited about this area after my Ph.D. when I worked for Saint-Gobain and saw firsthand the challenges of bringing new products to market, especially those made of complex mixtures of materials.
Sustainability of materials and process is a top priority right now across many industries, and renewable bioproducts research is helping to improve this. But it is still tough to design and scale up products made with these materials because of the heterogeneity of the raw bio-based materials and recycled materials that now serve as the raw materials. Engineers are essential to design systems that can be robust despite the heterogeneities and still produce consistent, high-quality products.
One of the most promising directions to decrease the impact of plastics on the environment is to replace some of the synthetic plastic materials with natural products, such as cellulose from wood. My initiative aims to build better connections between polymer scientists working to design improved plastics and experts in bio-based materials to seed research that can work toward this goal. Polymers also serve as important tools to improve the properties of cellulose and wood-based products and can enable new materials with increased functionality that still have sustainable materials at their core.
We work to improve the sustainability of material products while addressing specific challenges related to manufacturing and scale-up, which can speed up the adoption of these more sustainable products in industry. We take a wide view of the problem and have even worked on a project to understand consumer choices in recycling: If people don’t recycle the material, our efforts to make recyclable products will not have an impact!
Using symposia, social events, and student-centered networking, I will bring the broad Georgia Tech Polymer Network community together with the RBI community.
Water polo and swimming. I train with the Atlanta Rainbow Trout, who practice at the Georgia Tech pool.
I’m constantly learning from people around me!
]]>At the Sweetwater Mill, one of Greif’s three paper mills in Austell, students saw the pressure cylinder machine, a pre-coater that smoothens the board for printability, and a curtain coater that makes value-added products such as one-sided chipboard packaging for retail displays. The mill runs 100% recycled fiber into stock cores, gypsum board liners, and chipboard packaging. The tour included converting the machine roll (called a parent roll) into smaller rolls that will be further converted at downstream customers’ locations.
At the GranBio’s facility in Thomaston, Tech students were able to see a biorefinery at work where a wide variety of lignocellulosic feedstocks, including wood chips, were getting converted into multiple bioproducts. They had a firsthand look at the SEW (sulfur dioxide, ethanol, and water) process, which was quite different from the traditional kraft pulping process. It creates a highly acidic mush, with a high pH, instead of fiber, which could then be used to make biofuels and other value-added products. In addition, they were able to discuss the recent DOE award to scale their process to a 100 ton/day biomass to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The company explained that they were still in site selection and would be hiring engineers in the near future.
About the Pulp and Paper Certification
The College of Engineering at Georgia Tech offers a certificate program in pulp and paper. The certificate consists of 12 credit hours focused on forest bioproduct topics, including lecture- and laboratory-based courses. Since its inception in 1990, more than 100 students have completed their certification.
The foundational course in the program introduces students to the history of pulp and paper manufacturing from its origins and covers the forest bioeconomy, wood structure, chemistry, and fiber morphology, and goes through the unit operations utilized to transform lignocellulosic feedstocks into value-added products, including chemical and mechanical pulping, recycled fiber operations, chemical recovery, bleaching, stock preparation, and papermaking.
The emerging technologies course focuses on the future of bioproducts industries. Case studies on the use of biomass in the production of value-added products are covered. Included are fluff pulp and dissolving pulps, alternative fibers, specialty papers, packaging, and printed electronics, biorefining technologies, nanocellulose and bio composites, and renewable polymers.
The pulp and paper laboratory course introduces students to pulping operations, bleaching, hand sheet formation, pulp and paper physical properties, and recycled fiber. The final course allows students to pursue research on special problems under supervision from an RBI-affiliated faculty.
Students in the program can demonstrate their proficiency in pulp and paper science and engineering and are in high demand for their expertise.
Below is a brief Q&A with Gutekunst where he discusses his research focus areas and how they influence the interface of polymer science and wood-based materials initiative at Georgia Tech.
My graduate training is in synthetic organic chemistry, and I focused on basic science problems at that time. Toward the end of my Ph.D., I became interested in applying my skill set to new research directions that could have a more direct impact on society. This led me to pursue postdoctoral research in polymer chemistry, which has been a source of inspiration ever since.
My first project in this space was initiated shortly after I arrived at Georgia Tech through RBI funding opportunities, and it has continued to be a theme ever since. One of the critical problems in my research is identifying monomers that can polymerize and depolymerize on command. This involves balancing the driving force of polymerization (enthalpy) with the unfavorable process of confining multiple monomers to a single chain (entropy). While we are making considerable progress in engineering appropriate polymerization enthalpies into monomers, the entropic side of the problem remains a significant challenge.
The most exciting aspect of the initiative is the ability to bring together multiple strengths of Georgia Tech to work on a central goal. Solving problems at this interface involves the collaborative efforts of researchers in chemistry, processing, separations, and even data science. Identifying and gathering synergistic teams is critical to address this problem and additional goals in renewable bioproducts.
The goal of this research is to develop materials that are more recyclable and are derived from abundant feedstocks, which are two big problems rolled into one. The eventual product of this research will be access to materials that are more compatible with the environment while also drastically reducing the waste output of society.
Through the merger of the Georgia Tech Polymer Network with RBI, we can start to forge collaborations across a broader swath of the Georgia Tech community. This includes the organization of workshops, making connections between different student groups, and the development of center grants to tackle grand challenges in the field.
In my free time, I enjoy reading (non-science), pottery, and hiking.
My Ph.D. advisor (Phil Baran) and my postdoctoral advisor (Craig Hawker) both stand out in their impact on my scientific career. Through their guidance, I learned how to properly think about science and to always look ahead for the next big problem.
]]>Below is a brief Q&A with Gutekunst where he discusses his research focus areas and how they influence the interface of polymer science and wood-based materials initiative at Georgia Tech.
]]>With a degree in art education and a minor in art history, Doll began her career as an elementary school art teacher in Pinellas County, Florida. She then became the director of Museums for the Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia and the Sautee Nacoochee Cultural Center History Museum and Heritage Site.
In 2019, Doll joined the Robert C. Williams Museum of Papermaking team as its education curator. At the museum, she creates and manages programs that include educational tours, private and public workshops on papermaking, specialized workshops through creative collaborations with artists, collaborations with other campus units for STEAM activities, and community events for kindergarten through senior adult audiences.
"I didn't know a whole lot about papermaking when I first started here," admits Doll, "but I knew how to be an education curator." Her ability to swiftly absorb the history and concept of papermaking and translate it into engaging educational experiences has been instrumental in her success. Below are a few highlights of Doll’s projects.
Museum Tours
Doll’s daily activities include educational tours of the papermaking museum for groups of all ages. The tours range from introducing the papermaking process to elementary and middle school students to sharing the history and heritage of papermaking with adults. In addition, she conducts virtual programs for groups interested in the history of paper and the technological advances of the papermaking process since its invention many centuries ago.
Workshops
Doll is the point of contact for public and private workshop bookings. She also develops the concepts for these sessions, catering to groups with various interests (e.g., Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, people with disabilities, teachers, artists, college students, and public groups). This spring, Doll’s workshops included Suminagashi, Production Papermaking, Petal Fold Book, Paper Casting, and Magic Box: Jacob’s Ladder.
In addition to conceptualizing and conducting tours and workshops, she designs curricula and other resources involving paper art and science for K-12 teachers to integrate into their art classes.
Big Paper Workshop – Convening Artists, Educators, and Community Members for a Transformative Experience in Papermaking
This spring, Doll and her colleague Jerushia Graham created a communal workshop called “Big Paper.” Offered on multiple days, this project included five college groups from Georgia and Alabama and community groups from metro Atlanta who got to create a large sheet of paper from pulp. Participants beat plant material by hand to prepare the fiber and worked with Tom Balbo, founding director of the Morgan Conservatory, to create a huge 4’x6’ sheet of paper that was mailed back to them once it was dry.
Through her work at the museum, Doll has cultivated relationships with various artists, all of whom collaborate with the museum to conduct workshops and create and showcase art exhibits.
Additional Collaborations Across Campus
Doll partners with other units on campus to create programs. She collaborated with the Georgia Tech Library on a program called “Tech's Tactile Thursdays.” Hosted on the first Thursday of each month, it allows students, faculty, and staff to work on hands-on projects related to paper and provides an opportunity for the largely technology-focused participants to take a break from their routine, relax, and explore their creative side and enhance their well-being.
Doll also has been an active educator at Georgia Tech Science and Engineering Day, which is part of the Atlanta Science Festival. This year, more than 3,000 K-12 students and parents visited Georgia Tech’s campus to engage in hands-on STEAM activities. Representing the museum, Doll worked with families to make prints on a clamshell printing press featuring a custom-designed Buzz image (designed by Doll) on a postcard for the kids to take home. The activity showcased the rich history of the printing press and modern technology with a photopolymer printing plate.
Through these diverse projects and initiatives at the museum, Doll continues to make a difference in the world of papermaking. Looking ahead, she hopes to expand the museum’s educational initiatives as well as the education team and its resources, and she envisions broadening the museum’s reach and impact by offering free programs to schools through grants. She is also working with Georgia Tech faculty and researchers on museum research into the art of nano cellulose and plans to establish a paper and natural dye garden for teaching.
]]>Here is a video shared by the TAPPINano 2024 organizers on the highlights of the conference.
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“Today's climate issues are urgent, and environmental justice and ecological sustainability necessitate action from leaders across the world,” said Chaouki Abdallah, executive vice president for research at Georgia Tech. “As a core partner of The Exchange, Georgia Tech will provide research expertise in the areas of energy, urban planning, biological ecosystems, public policy, and more, and we look forward to playing an instrumental role in bringing its mission to fruition.”
Georgia Tech researchers are studying glacial melt, coral growth, sea level rise, and other climate concerns in the state of Georgia and around the world and will share their data and research results with partners at The Exchange. Likewise, research at The Exchange will be applicable for towns and cities across Georgia, allowing state leaders to take advantage of economic opportunities that arise when climate change is addressed head on.
In addition to contributing critical research across the many areas of climate change, Georgia Tech leads major initiatives that are focused on solving the crises laid out in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Generation 2 Reinvented Toilet (G2RT) — a solution to the world’s water and sanitation problem — is led by Shannon Yee, associate professor in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Tech. This cost-effective, globally scalable reinvented toilet with built-in human waste treatment will ensure that drinking water stays clean and will improve public health around the world.
Georgia Tech is also a leading partner of the Ocean Visions – UN Decade Collaborative Center for Ocean-Climate Solutions, an international center headquartered at the Georgia Aquarium that aims to co-design, develop, test, fund, and deliver scalable and equitable ocean-based solutions to reduce the effects of climate change and build climate-resilient marine ecosystems and coastal communities. Championed at Georgia Tech by Susan Lozier, dean and Betsy Middleton and John Clark Sutherland Chair in the College of Sciences, the Center also supports opportunities to accelerate ocean-based carbon dioxide removal research and advance sustainable ocean economies.
“We are looking forward to contributing and demonstrating some of the engineering sustainability solutions that have been developed at Georgia Tech with New York City and the world,” said Yee. “Many of the technical and economic solutions that serve the state of Georgia, the coastal city of Savannah, and the urban center of Atlanta can also serve the urban harbor of New York City. Similarly, the innovations and economic opportunities that address climate change can be shared with and benefit Georgia. This collaboration embodies the concept of an exchange where we share with one another.”
As The Exchange’s anchor institution, Stony Brook University will build and operate the center which will be located on Governors Island in New York City. The center is slated to open in 2028.
“It is becoming clear year after year in New York, and around the world, that the impacts of climate change are real and are here,” said Kevin Reed, associate dean for Research and associate professor in the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences at Stony Brook. “By partnering with communities, industries, governments, and universities, The Exchange will help to accelerate the implementation of urban solutions to these climate impacts through an interactive research ecosystem where community engagement is paramount. As a climate scientist, I recognize that New Yorkers need solutions to the climate crisis now, and The Exchange will help to make that a reality.”
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Georgia Parmelee | georgia.parmelee@gatech.edu
“Congratulations to all the exceptional nominees and to the individuals who were selected to receive this year's Institute Research Awards,” said Chaouki Abdallah, executive vice president for Research at Georgia Tech. “These outstanding researchers were nominated by their peers for their diligent research efforts, and we are proud to acknowledge them for their commitment to advance science and technology and to improve the human condition.”
Awardees were selected in nine areas, from achievements in innovation to engagement and outreach. Two of the awards were given to groups of researchers who are making an impact collectively. This year, more than 150 researchers were nominated for these prestigious awards.
Outstanding Achievement in Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Iris Tien, CEE, SEI
Outstanding Achievement in Early Career Research: Marta Hatzell, ME, IMat, SEI
Outstanding Achievement in Research Enterprise Enhancement: Robert Knotts, Federal Relations
Outstanding Achievement in Research Innovation: Younan Xia, SoCB, IEN, Imat, IBB
Outstanding Doctoral Thesis Advisor: John Reynolds, SoCB, IMat, RBI
Outstanding Faculty Research Author: Wilbur Lam, BME, IEN, IBB
Outstanding Achievement in Research Engagement and Outreach: Pascal Van Hentenryck, ISyE, IDEaS, SEI
Outstanding Achievement in Research Program Development: The Spaceflight Project Group at GT: Glen Lightsey, AE, IRIM; Jud Ready, GTRI, IEN, IMat, SEI; Christopher Valenta, GTRI; Christopher Carr, AE; Brian Gunter, AE, BBISS, IRIM; Sterling Peet, AE; Ian Harrison, GTRI
Outstanding Achievement in Research Program Impact: Partnership for Inclusive Innovation: Debra Lam, IDEaS, IPaT, SEI; Clarence Anthony Jr., Kayla Burns, Cody Cocchi, Jamal Lewis, Polly Sattler, all from EI2
Awardees will be recognized at the Faculty and Staff Honors Luncheon on Friday, April 21.
]]>David Sholl, a professor in Georgia Tech’s School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (ChBE), is leading a new Energy Earthshot Research Center (EERC) at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) that is focused on developing chemical processes that use sustainable methods instead of burning fossil fuels to radically reduce industrial greenhouse gas emissions to stem climate change and limit the crisis of a rapidly warming planet.
Sholl, who is director of ORNL’s Transformational Decarbonization Initiative, is director of the ORNL-led Non-Equilibrium Energy Transfer for Efficient Reactions (NEETER), which also involves ChBE faculty members Fani Boukouvala and Carsten Sievers as key members.
NEETER is one of two new DoE EERCs involving ChBE faculty; the other (co-led by Professor David Flaherty) is Harnessing Electrostatics for the Conversion of Organics, Water and Air: Driving Redox on Particulate Liquids Earthshot (DROPLETS).
Debaronizing Large-scale Processes
NEETER will coordinate a research team from across the nation focused on replacing bulk heating for chemical processes with electrified means, providing a new way to do chemistry, and decarbonizing large-scale processes in the chemical industry. The Department of Energy has committed $19 million over four years for the center.
“This center is an exciting opportunity to advance innovative methods for performing important chemical reactions with heat derived from electricity instead of burning fossil fuels,” Sholl said. “Our world-class team will combine powerful fundamental insights with leadership-class computing to push forward use of mechanochemistry and resistive heating to achieve chemical outcomes that are simply not possible with traditional heating methods.”
Sholl, who also serves as interim executive director of the University of Tennessee Oak Ridge Innovation Institute, will lead the NEETER effort to harness the expertise of more than 20 co-principal investigators from two other national laboratories and several universities.
In addition to ORNL, other center investigators come from DOE’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory at Stanford University and the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Delaware State University, the Georgia Institute of Technology, Princeton University, the University of Houston, and the University of Maryland.
The scientists, in addition to using their own laboratories, will use DOE Office of Science user facilities, including ORNL’s Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility, Spallation Neutron Source, High Flux Isotope Reactor, and Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences. They will also include the beam line at SLAC.
Energy Earthshot Goals
“Our Energy Earthshots are game-changing endeavors to unleash the technologies of the clean energy transition and make them accessible, affordable, and abundant,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “The Energy Earthshot Research Centers and the related work happening on college campuses around the country will be instrumental in developing the clean energy and decarbonization solutions we need to establish a 100% clean grid and beat climate change.”
NEETER’s proposed research is a radical departure from traditional chemistry and holds promise for transformational breakthroughs in energy-related chemical reactions. The NEETER EERC addresses the DOE’s Industrial Heat Shot announced in 2022, which aims to develop cost-competitive industrial heat decarbonization technologies with at least 85% lower greenhouse gas emissions by 2035. This EERC will employ new kinds of chemical catalysis as one pathway toward electrifying the delivery of process heat.
Industrial heat involves the burning of fossil fuels, which contributes massive amounts of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. About 40% of those emissions come from chemicals and refining procedures. Because many industrial processes require extremely high energy, decarbonizing these chemical processes via electrification would radically alter the industrial chemical landscape.
Researchers propose two main ways of electrification, Sholl explained. One is through a process called mechanocatalysis, which creates mechanically initiated reactions. Another is Joule heating — using electricity to achieve very rapid temperature increases. The aim is to control chemical reactivity through temperature and pressure, by rapid heating in the Joule heating case, or by mechanical collisions in the case of mechanocatalysis.
NEETER’s mission is “To understand and control spatial and temporal non-equilibrium heat transfer to enable transformational breakthroughs in energy- and atom-efficient endothermic catalytic reactions beyond limitations of thermodynamic and kinetic equilibrium to decarbonize the US chemical industry.”
Said Sholl, “We envision a future where we use renewable electricity to provide heat and produce chemicals without greenhouse gas emissions.”
DROPLETS Earthshot
David Flaherty, a professor in Georgia Tech’s School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, is co-principal investigator of another Energy Earthshot Energy Research Center called Harnessing Electrostatics for the Conversion of Organics, Water and Air: Driving Redox on Particulate Liquids Earthshot (DROPLETS).
The overall objective of DROPLETS is to explore an unconventional, straightforward, and underutilized approach based on microdroplet-enabled redox reactions (which involve the transfer of electrons between substances) towards H2 production (a clean and renewable energy source), CO2 activation (which can help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions), and the synthesis of redox species for long-duration energy storage (LDES).
DROPLETS strives to achieve simplicity and lower the energy input and reactor cost for complex chemical reactions, a key advantage to simultaneously achieve multiple Energy Earthshots, including the Hydrogen Shot, the Long Duration Storage Shot, and the Carbon Negative Shot.
DROPLETS is led by Professor Joaquin Rodriguez Lopez of the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
Photography: Allison Carter, Joya Chapman, and Rob Felt
Writing/Editing: Kristen Bailey, Stacy Braukma
Photography: Allison Carter, Joya Chapman, and Rob Felt
Writing/Editing: Kristen Bailey, Stacy Braukma
Bark Rhythms Exhibit
Photography: Allison Carter, Joya Chapman, and Rob Felt
Writing/Editing: Kristen Bailey, Stacy Braukma
The Robert C. Williams Museum of Papermaking houses hand papermaking artifacts from around the world. Dard Hunter, a renowned paper historian and founder of the museum, collected many of these objects throughout the early 1900s as he sought to gain more knowledge about this craft. Nearly 100 years later, the museum continues its mission to collect, preserve, increase, and disseminate knowledge about papermaking to the general public. By collaborating with Georgia Tech researchers, and the larger Atlanta community, by using scientific tools, we can unlock hidden information held within the objects, both from a historical and scientific perspective. Recently, two Georgia Tech Postdoctoral Fellows, Nasreen Khan (Paper Museum/RBI) and Daniel Vallejo (School of Chemistry and Biochemistry) sought to uncover more about a loom in the museum’s collection, connected with the history of the Indian subcontinent and Gandhi.
In the 1930s, Dard Hunter traveled to Asia and the Indian subcontinent (I.e., India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kashmir) to document hand papermaking techniques and collect tools and paper samples. At that time many people, including Mahatma Gandhi, aimed to revitalize the Indian hand papermaking tradition by supporting and creating schools to teach the craft [1-3]. Dard Hunter visited several papermaking villages and schools, including those helped founded by Gandhi. Hunter brought a loom back to America that was used to weave a chapri (paper-mold cover or screen), but the information of the specific origins of this loom was lost.
While Hunter and other researchers documented and studied hand papermaking tools and materials of this region and time, it was primarily from a historical and cultural perspective [1-5]. Much of their focus has been on the plant materials used to make the paper and molds [1-5]. However, some parts of the handmade molds in Asia were known to also use biological materials sourced from animals, such as silk and animal hair [1-4]. Since the exact origin of the loom and the fibers used to construct the paper mold was not known, the museum was interested in learning more about this object.
With scientific tools, the study aimed to understand more about the fibers commonly used in traditional handmade paper-mold covers in the 1930s Indian subcontinent by using scientific tools. With the availability of high-resolution microscopy technologies and historical documentation at Georgia Tech and the Museum, researchers aimed to either prove or disprove whether the origin of preserved fibers on the loom was from an animal and determine with historical context where the loom was acquired.
In forensic analysis, typically the first step to identify unknown fiber or hair samples is to conduct microscopy. Microscopy, or the science of using microscopes to view samples & objects that cannot be seen with the naked eye, is the gold standard for analyzing and identifying unknown fibers by comparison to a library of known reference materials. This is possible because hair from different sources or animals have different “morphologies”, or physical features, that help identify their origin. Thanks to the Materials Innovation and Learning Laboratory (MILL), a hub of scientific equipment for hands-on scientific training of undergraduates at Georgia Tech, the researchers were able to use two different microscope techniques: Light microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Thanks to Little Creek Farm Conservancy in Decatur and Kristine Parson, the researchers were able to obtain reference materials for tail and mane horsehair from two horses: Angus and Lightening.
Click the link below to continue reading the story.
]]>According to LLNL materials scientist Kyle Sullivan, who sponsored Brettmann’s mini-sabbatical, she helped his team take a fresh look at their methodology, enabling them to identify ways to streamline a highly complex process.
“Many of our material development activities start with multi-faceted problems,” Sullivan said. “We were eager to draw from Blair’s experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing to help us identify an efficient methodology to apply to our research.”
Brettmann’s research focuses on material processing, including how a material’s properties influence the optimal processing approach, as well as how novel processing techniques can be used to develop materials with the features needed for specific applications. Her goal is to better understand options for real-time monitoring of material processing, including effective data collection tools, as well as knowing which experimental data would be beneficial to analyze. As she heads back to Georgia Tech to start another academic year, Brettmann is hoping that the insight she gained during her mini-sabbatical will help her research team as they test new analytical techniques for their material formulation experiments.
Dobbs spent her summer at LLNL investigating material formulation techniques. She helped design and conduct experiments that explored ways to optimize material mixing and she developed a new process for analyzing experimental data. During her internship, Dobbs met with LLNL experts in materials processing and advanced manufacturing, who helped her frame her experiments.
“It was great to expand my understanding of the entire manufacturing process and learn about key challenges in the field," Dobbs said. “The opportunity to spend time with energetics experts was one of the highlights of my internship experience.”
]]>Tell us about yourself.
I am Tanner Hickman and I completed my bachelor’s degree in chemical and biomolecular engineering at the University of South Alabama. Here at Georgia Tech, I am a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in chemical and biomolecular engineering, advised by Carson Meredith and Natalie Stingelin. My research focuses on exploring different ways to control the properties of natural polymers to make them useful for new applications.
How was your experience at the RBI workshop?
The RBI workshop provided incredibly valuable insights. I gained a comprehensive understanding of the persistent challenges within sustainable packaging, as well as the ongoing research endeavors aimed at tackling them. A key lesson I extracted from the workshop underscores the imperative of a circular economy within the packaging sector. However, it's crucial to note that our focus shouldn't solely revolve around product research; we must also direct attention toward addressing social concerns and broader issues.
What was your main takeaway from the poster session?
One of the best parts of RBI workshops is the opportunities to talk with people from different technical backgrounds, and poster sessions are one of the best ways to get the exchange of ideas flowing. I talked with several people from industry, who all had valuable advice on what it takes to bring benchtop research to application on a larger scale. At the same time, discussions with other researchers in academia are vital for brainstorming new projects, forming collaborations, etc.
What more would you like to see in future events at the Renewable Bioproducts Institute?
I would like to see a workshop that incorporates more interactive elements (in addition to the poster session) to engage participants. For instance, roundtable discussions or panel sessions where experts and attendees can openly exchange ideas and insights could enhance the learning experience.
]]>Tanner Hickman at the 2023 RBI Spring Workshop
Luettgen has over 25 years of industry experience, with Scott Paper and Kimberly-Clark Corp., where he most recently served as senior research and engineering manager for the Kimberly-Clark Professional business sector. He has held positions in product development and innovation as well as in capital project management and manufacturing facility leadership.
For several years, Luettgen has served on the RBI Industry Board of Advisors, and he is the current Chairman of the Board of the Technical Association of the Pulp & Paper Industry. He earned his bachelor's degree in Paper Engineering at Western Michigan University (’85), his master’s degree at the Institute of Paper Chemistry, Appleton, WI (’87), and his Ph.D. at the Institute of Paper Science and Technology - now the Renewable Bioproducts Institute at Georgia Tech (’91).
He rejoined Georgia Tech in November 2014 as a Professor of the Practice in the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Associate Director of Pulp and Paper at RBI. He also serves as Director of Industry Strategic Partnerships in the Georgia Tech Professional Education Division.
His areas of interest include: Recycled fiber, renewable cellulosic feedstocks, tissue manufacturing and converting and manufacturing leadership / operations excellence.
]]>This honor is reserved for roughly 1% of the membership of the society based on scientific contributions and service to the ACS community. Sievers is recognized for:
He will formally receive the recognition at the upcoming ACS meeting in San Francisco (August 13-17.
The Fellows program began in 2009 as a way to recognize and honor ACS members for outstanding achievements in and contributions to science, the profession, and ACS.
The full list of 2023 Fellows is available here, while additional information about the program, including a list of Fellows named in prior years, is available at www.acs.org/fellows.
]]>The Fellow status is AIChE's highest grade of membership and is achieved through election by the AIChE Board of Directors upon recommendation of the AIChE Admissions Committee.
Meredith is recognized for sustained contributions to the chemical engineering profession through research, education and service. For example, his research has made significant contributions to the field of sustainable materials for packaging and plastic alternatives.
In service, Meredith has contributed actively to planning AIChE and Materials Research Society meetings. He now serves on the executive leadership board of the Forest and Plant Bioproducts Division of AIChE.
Meredith has been a ChBE faculty member for 23 years.
]]>This story originally appeared in Waterline, News from Oldendorff Carrier. Issue 18, Summer 2023 and was written by Jan Kohzer, Patritsia Stathatou, & Scott Jones
Oldendorff Carriers is one of the world's largest dry bulk shipping companies, shipping and transhipping over to 300 million tons of bulk cargo every year and operating around 700 ships. Since 2018, Oldendorff vessels have been equipped with exhaust gas cleaning systems, commonly known as ‘scrubbers’.
These devices remove sulfur and particular matter from the exhaust gas stream in the funnel and enable the use of HFO while fully complying with the MARPOL Annex VI.
Since their implementation, concerns have been raised by several parties, mostly NGOs and environmental advocates, about the potential impact of scrubbers’ operation on marine life and water quality.
Although some research papers had been written on the topic, we realized that none drew clear conclusions and none were based on a full lifecycle assessment. There was a gap in the science that needed to be filled with high-quality data taken from independent in-situ testing.
It was therefore decided in July 2021 to run our own study to measure all air and water emissions generated by an Oldendorff vessel when operating a scrubber. This would enable us to compare these emissions with those resulting from other fuels used by the same vessel, and enabling an apples-to-apples comparison based on actual, onboard data.
We were very lucky to get Dr. Patritsia Stathatou onboard for this project, currently with Research Faculty at the Renewable Bioproducts Institute at Georgia Tech, who at that time was a postdoctoral researcher at the MIT Center for Bits and Atoms (CBA).
Our “Hedwig Oldendorff” was selected as the guinea pig. Before any samples could be taken, several measuring instruments and sensors had to be installed onboard.
Additionally, we had to organize logistics and travel arrangements for Patritsia and for Ievgenii Petrunia, Senior Technical Manager from our Fleet Department who is collaborating with Patritsia on this project, so they could get onboard and perform the required research activities.
The entire preparation process spanned more than a year, given the multitude of factors that had to be taken into consideration, including:
– Ensuring that the monitoring equipment onboard was properly installed and fully operational.
– The vessel had to be at a suitable position to enable testing under different conditions and speeds without affecting our obligations towards our charterers. Also, it was important that Patritsia and Ievgenii could disembark from the vessel within a maximum of six days, together with several boxes of water and oil samples. The testing of these samples was time-critical, as they had to be sent to a laboratory in Greece for relevant analyses within a specific and narrow timeframe.
– Very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO) had to be bunkered at a convenient location, shortly before the commencement of the study, as its quality could deteriorate if left unused for a couple of weeks. In parallel, enough time had to be allowed for the timely availability of the laboratory test results. Before that, the crew had to prepare and clean one of the heavy fuel oil (HFO) tanks onboard.
– Research personnel had to obtain visas and needed to be available at short notice.
– Last but not least, there were a lot of auxiliary equipment and supplies which had to be shipped to the vessel on time.
Eventually, the chance to send Patritsia and Ievgenii came along. Patritsia has kindly shared her experience with us:
“After two years of preparing and organizing this study, here I am, finding myself in China for the very first time, standing aboard the huge bulk carrier vessel, “Hedwig Oldendorff”, with its awe-inspiring length overall of 299.95 meters! Hedwig was about to start her six-day journey from Taicang to the bustling port of Hong Kong with me onboard. During these six days my mission was to measure gas and particulate matter emissions both below and above the scrubber, at different engine modes and speeds, while the vessel was operating with HFO, and at the same time collect and prepare seawater and wash water samples from the scrubber operation. I also had to measure similar emissions under the same engine modes, while the vessel was burning marine gas oil (MGO) and VLSFO and collect samples for subsequent analysis from all the fuels, lubricants and cylinder oils used during the trip, to enable the renowned apples-to-apples comparison mentioned above.
I was so excited at the beginning! We have spent two whole years organizing this study and coordinating all the different components involved to make it happen, including identifying a suitable vessel, sourcing, shipping, and installing onboard the proper equipment, arranging a voyage of specific duration and conditions, synchronizing people’s schedules, and much more. The prospect of embarking on this thrilling adventure seemed both intriguing and exhilarating in theory. I had convinced myself that I knew exactly what lay ahead, confident in my understanding of the tasks that awaited me. However, when reality kicked in, my initial enthusiasm swiftly transformed into daunting fear. As I navigated through the enormous vessel, enveloped in a world of massive roaring engines and intricate machinery, I started being overwhelmed by the complexity and scale of the operation. As I beheld the towering 20-meter vertical ladder, a crucial component of my mission to ascend and descend in order to reach the “above the scrubber” sampling point and collect data under various conditions, I felt a wave of panic washing over me. The scorching heat, exceeding a blistering 45°C, made me sweat profusely, with my protective uniform and gear adding to my discomfort. The deafening roar of the engines filled the air, further amplifying my unease. Moreover, the vessel’s constant swaying, as it gracefully rode the turbulent waves, was a detail that had completely eluded my imagination until that very moment. It was in that moment of intense apprehension that I realized the harsh truth: I was utterly ignorant of the true implications behind the phrases “measuring emissions onboard” and “collecting our own, actual data”.
Thankfully, five extraordinary individuals emerged like superheroes, summoned to alleviate my distress: Lengenii Petrunia, Senior Technical Manager at Oldendorff whose expertise was invaluable; Konfederatov Evgeni, the Master, and the core technical team of the vessel whose support and contributions were priceless: Liashko Igor, the Chief Officer, Omelyanenko Ivan, the Chief Engineer, and Zaytsev Serhiy, the Second Engineer.
It was through the tremendous support of this extraordinary team aboard, that my fear and discomfort gradually dissipated. Their wisdom, respect, and expertise helped me not only to successfully perform the required tests and collect the samples needed, but also to embrace the entire experience with joy. Surpassing my initial trepidation, I conquered my fears of climbing ladders, acclimated myself to the loud sounds of roaring engines, and grew accustomed to the high temperatures. I meticulously set up my own floating laboratory, where I enjoyed preparing and storing my water samples, and begun to like working at the sweating conditions close to the engine and the funnel. After the day’s obligations were fulfilled, we continued our scientific endeavors well into the night. Together, under the dim glow of the vessel’s lights, we toiled tirelessly, undeterred by the hardships that beset us. Though weariness occasionally led to inadvertent errors and moments of frustration, the satisfaction of pushing past our limits and advancing our understanding propelled us forward. As the days unfolded, Hedwig, transformed into a place I could call home.
Upon our arrival at Hong Kong, I felt a mixture of satisfaction and pride for our collective efforts, accompanied by a subtle tinge of sadness that our journey had come to an end.
Looking back, I am immensely grateful for this transformative experience that pushed me beyond my comfort zone and allowed me to witness first-hand the intricacies of measuring onboard emissions and collecting actual data. This voyage was not simply a physical journey across the sea nor just another field trip for me; it symbolizes a remarkable chapter in my scientific endeavors, further shaping me as a researcher. I am looking forward to analyzing the results and sharing the outcomes of this unforgettable journey. Thank you Oldendorff!”
While we are now waiting for the results of our study, we would like to thank everyone involved.
The whole project really became a team exercise and without the help of our various colleagues from departments including Bunker Desk, Procurement, Chartering, Fleet, Crewing, IT, Ops and of course our crew onboard nothing would have been achieved.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Elyssa Ferguson. I earned my B.S. in mechanical engineering at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). I am pursuing my M.S. in mechanical engineering at Georgia Tech. I am an RBI Fellow, GEM Fellow, and Women of Woodruff (WoW) Fellow, and I work in the Water-Energy Research (WERL) Lab, under the direction of Akanksha K. Menon, assistant professor in the School of Mechanical Engineering. My research focuses on developing sustainably sourced natural fibers for thermal insulation in buildings. My project is a part of the Carbon-Negative Building Materials based on Engineered Wood for Structural and Thermal Insulation Applications project. Menon and I collaborate with Kyriaki Kalaitzidou, Rae S. and Frank H. Neely Professor in the School of Mechanical Engineering and Joe F. Bozeman III, assistant professor in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Public Policy. I also work with graduate students, Elnaz Jamshidi from the School of Materials Science and Engineering and Arjun Thangaraj Ramshankar from the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering on this project.
How was your experience at the RBI workshop?
Attending the RBI workshop was a valuable learning experience. I learned about the variety of exciting work in the renewable packaging realm that is going on at Georgia Tech and other organizations. This work is driving sustainable innovation, yet there are challenges. The discussions regarding the barriers to innovation and areas for growth were very thought-provoking and motivating.
What was your main takeaway from the poster session?
During the poster session, I shared information about my research and had the privilege to talk to many people in the industry. There is much interest in thermally insulating natural fibers for building applications and for other applications like cold-chain packaging and textiles. Speaking with the workshop participants during the poster session broadened my mind to the potential myriad of applications for natural-fiber-based thermal insulation on a global scale. I also learned more about the existing challenges researchers and industrial peers are facing – one being the lack of standardization of nomenclature and methodology. Receiving positive feedback on the design of my poster was also helpful. I deliberately designed a poster that incorporated aesthetics to convey my ongoing research. I plan to apply the helpful information and feedback that I received during the RBI workshop to my future work.
What more would you like to see in future events at the Renewable Bioproducts Institute?
I am very interested in seeing more seminars related to sustainable building materials, especially insulating materials, and textiles, as these topics are closely related to my research project. Fascinating work is happening at other universities and at companies in Georgia and around the world. It would be great if there is a seminar series including these organizations.
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The need to remove organic contaminants from surface waters continues to grow due to an increasing influx from industrial, municipal, and agricultural sources. But these contaminants are challenging to remove outside of thermally driven separation processes, such as distilling or drying, which consume significant amounts of energy.
However, researchers in Georgia Tech’s School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (ChBE) have developed rigid, carbon membranes that effectively remove and concentrate small organic molecules (such as solvents) from water, based on the affinity between the organic species and carbon membrane.
]]>The need to remove organic contaminants from surface waters continues to grow due to an increasing influx from industrial, municipal, and agricultural sources. But these contaminants are challenging to remove outside of thermally driven separation processes, such as distilling or drying, which consume significant amounts of energy.
However, researchers in Georgia Tech’s School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (ChBE) have developed rigid, carbon membranes that effectively remove and concentrate small organic molecules (such as solvents) from water, based on the affinity between the organic species and carbon membrane.
The students got an opportunity to see Valmet’s vision for the Factory of the Future through automation and predictive control – Industry 4.0 in some vernacular, and were given an introduction to Valmet as a company and the multitude of career pathways available at the company. Valmet is headquartered in Espoo Finland and develops and supplies process technologies, automation, and services for the pulp, paper, and energy industries. The automation systems and flow control solutions offered by the company serve a wide base of process industries and was the focus area of the field trip.
The Emerging Technologies for Forest Bioproducts course is a required course for RBI Fellowship students and part of the Georgia Tech Pulp & Paper Foundation & Certificate Program. The course focuses on the future of the bioproducts industries so that students may see where the bioeconomy is headed. Case studies on the use of biomass in production of value-added products, including fluff pulp and dissolving pulps, alternative fibers, specialty papers, packaging and printed electronics, biorefining technologies, nanocellulose and bio composites, and renewable polymers are covered in the course.
]]>With a mission to collect, preserve, increase, and disseminate knowledge about papermaking - past, present and future, the museum, located in the Paper Tricentennial Building of Georgia Tech houses the most comprehensive collection of paper and paper-related artifacts in the world including over 100,000 artifacts of manuscripts, rare books, prints, hand and industrial paper making tools and equipment and paper samples. A variety of tours, workshops and artists’ lectures catering to audiences ranging from Pre-K-12 students to adults is offered by the museum.
Click here to read more about the exciting activities that happened at the Georgia Tech Science and Engineering Day.
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Tell us about yourself.
My name is William Berkey. I got my undergraduate degree in chemistry from Davidson College in North Carolina. I am getting my Ph.D. in chemistry at Georgia Tech. I am co-advised by Stefan France and Christopher Jones. I work on the upcycling of carbohydrates to yield furan-containing building blocks as platforms chemicals and precursors to value-added fuels, materials, and products. Specifically, I work with the Garcia Gonzalez reaction and the Achmatowicz reaction.
The paper I just published as the second author with my mentor Caria Evans (first author) is about converting amino acids — a renewable feedstock — to functionalities pyrroles that can be used for drug molecule development or other bio-active compounds.
How was your experience at the RBI workshop?
I really enjoyed the RBI workshop. It was interesting to see other people’s research and talk with fellow researchers on solving problems and potentially collaborating. The diverse set of talks from industrial, government, and research collaborators shows the wide set of problems still to be solved and different viewpoints on how to solve them. My main takeaway is that through collaboration, solutions to a wide range of problems affecting the industry can be achieved.
What was your main takeaway from the poster session?
What stood out during the poster session was the wide variety of topics that my peers were researching and the interesting findings they discovered. I interacted with several industrial representatives and a fellow Davidson alumnus who works in forest management. I received great advice on how to advance my research as well as how to pursue potential next steps in application.
What more would you like to see in future events at the Renewable Bioproducts Institute?
I would like to see more talks on biorefining. I am interested in interacting with potential collaborators. I would like to see new seminars on research problem-solving or project idea creation.
]]>Lignin is one of the most plentiful organic polymers on Earth, making up about 20 to 30 percent of the dry mass of wood and other plants.
Despite this abundance, lignin’s complex structure has challenged researchers in breaking it down into useful components that can be used in the sustainable production of chemicals, plastics, and fuels. Therefore, lignin is often discarded as waste during the production of paper and other plant-based products.
However, researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have developed an approach that could transform lignin into valuable chemicals more efficiently than ever before.
The researchers published their findings in the journal ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering on using a method known as mechanocatalysis, which uses physical forces, such as vibration or rotation, in a ball mill to drive chemical reactions without the need for solvents, heat, or high pressure.
Carsten Sievers, a professor in Georgia Tech’s School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (ChBE), explained that the first step in a lignin biorefinery is depolymerization, which breaks lignin down into small molecules.
The ELATES program is a national leadership development program designed to promote women in academic STEM fields and faculty allies of all genders into institutional leadership roles.
“I am excited to be selected as an ELATES Fellow. I am grateful for the support from Georgia Tech’s College of Engineering that made this opportunity possible and especially support from Dean Raheem Beyah, Associate Dean Kim Kurtis, and MSE School Chair Natalie Stingelin. I am looking forward to learning from this amazing community of women leaders in higher education,” Shofner said.
“I was drawn to the ELATES program because of its focus on developing the skills needed to lead university initiatives with an operational focus, and I will be putting that knowledge into practice as I develop an institutional action project as part of the program.”
Read Full Story on the MSE Webpage
]]>In this episode, Beril Toktay, Regents' Professor and faculty director of the Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business, defines net zero and discusses some ways to alleviate climate change by reducing carbon emissions to the point of net zero emissions.
Globally, most major polluters, such as China, the U.S., India, and the EU, are among over 140 nations with net-zero goals, which encompasses roughly 88 percent of global emissions. Meeting the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C climate threshold requires 45 percent emissions cut by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050 (United Nations Climate Action).
Toktay describes ways this can be accomplished in different business sectors. For example, in the energy sectors, this means moving from fossil fuels to renewable technologies, and in the transportation sector, moving to electrification and innovative battery technologies as well as developing the infrastructure to support these initiatives. These efforts help move businesses towards achieving net zero as well as providing cleaner air and water, and better health outcomes to the global population.
Listen as Toktay discusses what net zero means, the importance of getting to net zero, and how businesses can help reduce carbon emissions.
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Ulrika Egertsdotter, a principal research scientist at Georgia Tech’s Renewable Bioproducts Institute, plays a key role in supporting the industry. Through her work, she helps Georgia tree growers propagate new plants that provide higher-quality wood products and offer greater resilience to climate change.
“Some say we shouldn't interfere with nature, but humans are demanding more and more from the Earth, faster than it can provide,” Egertsdotter said. “We need to help nature produce at a sustainable rate and quality necessary for human requirements.”
Her primary research involves applying new technologies and automation to produce improved conifer trees, which include spruce, cedar, and — most notably in Georgia — pine. These needle-bearing trees are some of the most important globally for providing wood and fiber.
Plant breeders want to reproduce trees or plants with excellent traits — for example, those that can grow in dry environments or resist fungal attacks. Developing a robust plant that meets these requirements can take decades, particularly with trees, which need many years to grow.
That’s where Egertsdotter’s work comes in. Scientific advancements have enabled researchers to design new plants, including trees that yield better wood products or are more resilient against extreme weather conditions such as drought. Producing enough of these special, superior plants requires efficient cloning techniques — otherwise, it would take years or even generations.
Cloning plants in vitro, or micropropagation, is exponentially faster than traditional cloning by cuttings and helps growers produce more trees and harvest high-quality timber on shorter timelines. For conifers, the favored micropropagation method is to clone the seeds by a technique called somatic embryogenesis (SE), which is the basis for making new and better conifer trees using biotechnological methods.
“In the lab, with one plant seed, we can make millions of plants from that same seed,” Egertsdotter said.
Cloning Trees in the Lab
Cloning conifers like pines always starts with picking seeds from the cone. Then, in a sterile lab environment, researchers clean a single seed and extract an embryo from inside it. They place the embryo in a small dish with nutrients and plant-growth regulators that stimulate the embryo to form new embryos.
By repeatedly feeding the culture with the same treatments, the new embryos will continue to multiply into identical copies of the initial seed. Once the number of embryos has increased significantly, the researchers split them up into new plates. When, finally, many embryos have developed, other treatments are applied to make the embryos mature and eventually germinate into a new plant.
“The biological process the lab (somatic) embryo goes through to form the plant is the same biological process a seed embryo would go through if it was planted in the ground,” Egertsdotter explained. “This method allows us to generate many plants from each valuable seed, instead of just one.”
Automated Technologies
While micropropagation methods have been around for decades, they are expensive and labor-intensive and are not widely used outside of research labs. Egertsdotter works closely with engineers to develop and implement novel automation technologies that can produce affordable, high-quality plants through a system based on fluidics technology, image analysis, and AI-based selection.
The SE Fluidics System is a unique facility developed at Georgia Tech for the fast processing of somatic embryos of any species. The system carries out rapid imaging of each embryo and then produces datasets to develop algorithms that select viable embryos for further processing.
In addition to cloning selected plants from breeding programs, SE can also be used to add desired characteristics to trees and plants. Researchers have also started experimenting with the gene-editing tool CRISPR to modify the DNA sequences of some tree species.
Moving Forward
Because of human-caused climate change, the natural habitats of many important plants and crops have already been permanently altered or destroyed. For Egertsdotter, this adds urgency to her work.
She is currently investigating how to develop pine trees more resistant to climate-related stresses, including pests and drought. Egertsdotter is also studying how to use biotechnological tools to create trees that capture carbon dioxide more efficiently.
“We must support the plants we rely on by multiplying the specific plants that can survive in the future environment,” Egertsdotter said. “We can also help other plants survive by genetic or genomic modifications to increase their adaptability.”
She added, “We will lose a lot of the natural resources we currently rely on if we wait for nature to, through natural selection, correct the negative impact of climate change. We are changing the natural world faster than evolution can keep up, so we must help accelerate the adaptation process.”
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Meredith will receive the award at the Annual AIChE Meeting in San Diego California, later this month.
The award recognizes Meredith’s research in nanocellulose chemical modification, composites, and cellulose-based renewable barrier coatings, which has resulted in seven patent applications, one commercial license, and ongoing research projects with six companies, reflecting the impact these advancements are making. His group recently reported the first successful recycling and reuse of nanocellulose gas barrier films and achieved one of the lowest water vapor barrier coatings derived from cellulose to date.
Meredith, ChBE’s James Preston Harris Faculty Fellow, is executive director of Georgia Tech’s Renewable Bioproducts Institute, which aims for future where plant biomass will enable a carbon neutral society and manufacturing infrastructure through traditional and emerging products.
Read Full Story on the ChBE Website
]]>In the Summer 2024 issue, the magazine has featured the Georgia Tech Renewable Bioproducts Institute and its faculty researchers Anthony J. “Bo” Arduengo, professor of practice in the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Matt McDowell, Carter N. Paden, Jr. Distinguished Chair and associate professor in the School of Materials Science and Engineering, and Meisha Shofner, professor in the School of Materials Science and Engineering. The feature titled ‘The Green Gusher: How Wood-Based Innovations Are Revolutionizing Sustainability and Technology,’ was written by John Casey and discussed how wood-based innovations are revolutionizing sustainability and technology in the forestry industry and included Georgia Tech’s forestry in focus video that included interviews with the three researchers.
]]>“The TAPPI Student Chapter Career Fair was an incredible opportunity for students to engage directly with industry leaders, explore diverse career paths, and secure valuable internships and job offers. The enthusiasm and participation from both students and companies truly highlighted the strength and potential of our future workforce,” said Chris Luettgen, faculty advisor of the TAPPI Student Chapter and the initiative lead for process efficiency & intensification of pulp, paper packaging, and tissue manufacturing at the Renewable Bioproducts Institute.
]]>Tong’s current research interests include functional biomaterials for a high-efficiency circular economy, platform chemicals and hydrocarbon fuels from renewable resources, sustainable process control and modeling, nano-biomaterial synthesis and self-assembly, and polymer degradation and recycling.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Changsha University of Science and Technology in China and her doctoral degree in chemical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Her research spans multiple disciplines, including materials, nanotechnology, energy, and sustainability.
Below is a brief Q&A with Tong, where she discusses her research focus areas and how they contribute to maximizing the waste valorization in the food-energy-water initiative at Georgia Tech.
My expertise lies in sustainable materials and catalytical conversion, with a focus on transforming abundant and low-cost bioresources into functional biomaterials, biochemicals, and biofuels. Driven by a strong desire to conduct meaningful research, I aim to contribute to advancements in human health, food security, and environmental sustainability, addressing critical issues such as climate change, water scarcity, and the circular economy.
The current economy faces significant challenges, including depleting resources, expensive raw materials, energy-intensive processes, and severe environmental impacts. Research in renewable bioproducts is crucial for addressing these issues. However, renewable bioproducts are still not competitive with petroleum-based products. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to minimize energy and material input during the processing and maximize product value without compromising environmental health.
I am interested in valorizing low-cost and underutilized biomass waste (lignocellulose, lignin, hemicellulose, etc.) into value-added functional products for applications in the food, water, and energy sectors, such as bio-based membranes for contaminant removal and detection. My initiative aims to build connections among multidisciplinary experts from chemical engineering, environmental engineering, agricultural engineering, industrial and systems engineering, and other fields. Polymer chemistry, nanotechnology, and data science all play roles in achieving our goal. My research topic aligns very well with RBI’s central strategic research areas, including the development of a bioeconomy, industrial decarbonization, and sustainable development goals.
We work on increasing the value of bio-based waste for bioproducts to provide clean water, improve food security, and minimize energy input. First, this promotes the efficient use of biomass resources and minimizes waste generation to form a circular economy. Second, it contributes to industrial decarbonization by providing alternative, renewable sources of energy and materials. Third, the utilization of bio-based waste supports several aspects of sustainable development by simultaneously addressing challenges such as waste variability, technological limitations, and economic viability.
I plan to leverage symposia from RBI and other sources, as well as existing sustainable centers like the Brook Byers Institute for Sustainable Systems, social events, and established networks. Additionally, I will reach out to other faculty through collaborations on integrated proposals from RBI and external sources.
In my leisure time, I enjoy baking and cooking. I also enjoy traveling with my family.
I have been influenced by several of my professors during my undergraduate and graduate studies and my first department chair at the University of Florida. Their continuous encouragement and support have been instrumental in shaping my academic career in sustainable chemistry and engineering.
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Over 40 participants from more than 20 organizations participated in the event aimed to educate the pulp, paper, and tissue manufacturing community on current decarbonization technologies ready for immediate deployment, while also exploring the investments needed for future breakthrough innovations.
The workshop kicked off with an overview of APPTI by Chris Luettgen, managing director of APPTI and RBI's lead for process efficiency and intensification of pulp paper packaging & tissue manufacturing. Presentations and discussions revolved around three focus areas for decarbonization--Carbon Capture and Beneficial Use; Biogas Generation from Waste Streams; and Lime Kiln Alternatives to Fossil Fuels. Presenters and panelists consisted of members from the Department of Energy’s Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization Office (IEDO), academia (North Carolina State University, Abo Academy, University of Toronto, University of Minnesota), and industry (Veolia, Valmet, Metso, FPInnovations, Nexight, Beck and Associates).
RBI’s Carson Meredith, Valerie Thomas, and Cyrus Aidun were among the presenters. Meredith presented his research on felt design to prevent re-wet, while Thomas’ talk was on the topic, life cycle assessment: meeting policy benchmarks for decarbonization, and Aidun presented his work on multi-phase forming.
The workshop concluded with the net zero committee discussing key takeaways from the workshop and potential for a life cycle assessment on the paper industry.
“The outcome of this two-day workshop is a strong feeling about the work RBI and APPTI are doing for the industry. The feedback I received was all very positive,” said Luettgen.
]]>And while our bodies naturally make amino acids, manufacturing them for commercial use can be costly — and that process often emits greenhouse gasses like carbon dioxide (CO2).
In a landmark study, a team of researchers has created a first-of-its kind methodology for synthesizing amino acids that uses more carbon than it emits. The research also makes strides toward making the system cost-effective and scalable for commercial use.
“To our knowledge, it’s the first time anyone has synthesized amino acids in a carbon-negative way using this type of biocatalyst,” says lead corresponding author Pamela Peralta-Yahya, who emphasizes that the system provides a win-win for industry and environment. “Carbon dioxide is readily available, so it is a low-cost feedstock — and the system has the added bonus of removing a powerful greenhouse gas from the atmosphere, making the synthesis of amino acids environmentally friendly, too.”
The study, “Carbon Negative Synthesis of Amino Acids Using a Cell-Free-Based Biocatalyst,” published today in ACS Synthetic Biology, is publicly available. The research was led by Georgia Tech in collaboration with the University of Washington, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and the University of Minnesota.
The Georgia Tech research contingent includes Peralta-Yahya, a professor with joint appointments in the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry and School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (ChBE); first author Shaafique Chowdhury, a Ph.D. student in ChBE; Ray Westenberg, a Ph.D student in Bioengineering; and Georgia Tech alum Kimberly Wennerholm (B.S. ChBE ’23).
There are two key challenges to synthesizing amino acids on a large scale: the cost of materials, and the speed at which the system can generate amino acids.
While many living systems like cyanobacteria can synthesize amino acids from CO2, the rate at which they do it is too slow to be harnessed for industrial applications, and these systems can only synthesize a limited number of chemicals.
Currently, most commercial amino acids are made using bioengineered microbes. “These specially designed organisms convert sugar or plant biomass into fuel and chemicals,” explains first author Chowdhury, “but valuable food resources are consumed if sugar is used as the feedstock — and pre-processing plant biomass is costly.” These processes also release CO2 as a byproduct.
Chowdhury says the team was curious “if we could develop a commercially viable system that could use carbon dioxide as a feedstock. We wanted to build a system that could quickly and efficiently convert CO2 into critical amino acids, like glycine and serine.”
The team was particularly interested in what could be accomplished by a ‘cell-free’ system that leveraged some process of a cellular system — but didn’t actually involve living cells, Peralta-Yahya says, adding that systems using living cells need to use part of their CO2 to fuel their own metabolic processes, including cell growth, and have not yet produced sufficient quantities of amino acids.
“Part of what makes a cell-free system so efficient,” Westenberg explains, “is that it can use cellular enzymes without needing the cells themselves. By generating the enzymes and combining them in the lab, the system can directly convert carbon dioxide into the desired chemicals. Because there are no cells involved, it doesn’t need to use the carbon to support cell growth — which vastly increases the amount of amino acids the system can produce.”
While scientists have used cell-free systems before, one of the necessary chemicals, the cell lysate biocatalyst, is extremely costly. For a cell-free system to be economically viable at scale, the team needed to limit the amount of cell lysate the system needed.
After creating the ten enzymes necessary for the reaction, the team attempted to dilute the biocatalyst using a technique called ‘volumetric expansion.’ “We found that the biocatalyst we used was active even after being diluted 200-fold,” Peralta-Yahya explains. “This allows us to use significantly less of this high-cost material — while simultaneously increasing feedstock loading and amino acid output.”
It’s a novel application of a cell-free system, and one with the potential to transform both how amino acids are produced, and the industry’s impact on our changing climate.
“This research provides a pathway for making this method cost-effective and scalable,” Peralta-Yahya says. “This system might one day be used to make chemicals ranging from aromatics and terpenes, to alcohols and polymers, and all in a way that not only reduces our carbon footprint, but improves it.”
Funding: Advanced Research Project Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Biological and Environmental Research Program.
DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.4c00359
]]>Led by Loren Williams (Georgia Institute of Technology) and Moran Frenkel-Pinter (The Hebrew University of Jerusalem) and published in Nature Chemistry, the team’s paper investigates how chemical mixtures evolve over time, offering new insights into the origins of biological complexity.
“Our research applies concepts from evolutionary biology to chemistry,” explains Williams, a professor in the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry. “We know that everything in biology can be reduced to chemistry, but the idea of this paper is that in the right conditions, chemistry can evolve, too. We call this chemical evolution.”
While much research has focused on individual chemical reactions that could lead to biological molecules, this study establishes an experimental model to explore how entire chemical systems evolve when exposed to environmental changes.
“Chemical evolution is chemistry that keeps changing and doing new things,” Williams explains. “It’s unending chemical change, but with exploration of new chemical spaces. We wondered if we could set up a system that does that without introducing new molecules ourselves — instead we had the system oscillate between wet and dry conditions.”
In nature, these systems might look like a landscape where water condenses, and then dries out, over and over again — conditions that arise naturally from the day-night cycles of our planet.
The study identified three key findings — chemical systems can continuously evolve without reaching equilibrium, avoid uncontrolled complexity through selective chemical pathways, and exhibit synchronized population dynamics among different molecular species. This suggests that environmental factors played a key role in shaping the molecular complexity needed for life to emerge.
“This research offers a new perspective on how molecular evolution might have unfolded on early Earth,” says Frenkel-Pinter, assistant professor in the Institute of Chemistry at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. “By demonstrating that chemical systems can self-organize and evolve in structured ways, we provide experimental evidence that may help bridge the gap between prebiotic chemistry and the emergence of biological molecules.”
Beyond its relevance to origins-of-life research, the study’s findings may have broader applications in synthetic biology and nanotechnology. Controlled chemical evolution could be harnessed to design new molecular systems with specific properties, potentially leading to innovations in materials science, drug development, and biotechnology.
This research is shared jointly with The Hebrew University of Jerusalem newsroom.
]]>To listen to the workshop:
We’d like to share our thanks with our speakers for their insights:
Joseph Samac - Valorization of Forestry Side-stream
Ana Indes Torres - Biomass integration in Refineries with a Focus on System-Level Modeling and Optimization of Integration Strategies
Michael Reynolds - Advances in Catalysts for Feeds that Contain Blends of Seed and Tallow Oils
Nicholas Carlson Refinery Integration Anaysis: Pathways, Challenges, and Opportunities
Mike Griffin Producing Hydrocarbon Fuels from Woody Biomass via Catalytic Pyrolysis and Refinery Hydrotreating
Ryan Lively Separation of Bioderived Compounds Using Membrane Technology
RBI would love to hear from you on future topics you would like to hear us cover. Share your feedback with Executive Director Carson Meredith.
These materials are the tiny building blocks powering modern life. From lithium, cobalt, nickel and graphite in batteries to gallium in telecommunication systems that enable constant connectivity, critical minerals act as the essential vitamins of modern technology: small in volume but vital to function.
Yet the U.S. depends heavily on imports for most critical materials. In 2024 the U.S. imported 80% of rare earth elements it used, 100% of gallium and natural graphite, and 48% to 76% of lithium, nickel and cobalt, to name a few.
]]>These materials are the tiny building blocks powering modern life. From lithium, cobalt, nickel and graphite in batteries to gallium in telecommunication systems that enable constant connectivity, critical minerals act as the essential vitamins of modern technology: small in volume but vital to function.
]]>In particular, Aidun has focused on industrial competitiveness. His efforts to reduce energy and water consumption in fiber composite products have attracted significant attention and funding. This research is critical for developing sustainable and cost-effective manufacturing processes while reducing environmental impact.
As principal investigator, Aidun has received funding for major projects from the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (DOE-EERE, with Devesh Ranjan as co-principal investigator), the DOE’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy, and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (with Art Rangauskas at the University of Tennessee). These projects are affiliated with Aidun’s development of the Multiphase Forming Lab at Georgia Tech’s Renewable Bioproducts Institute (RBI).
The only one of its kind in North America, this innovative system significantly reduces the amount of water required to process paper. As a result, the heat and energy needed to dry the paper — typically an energy-intensive process — are also reduced. The Multiphase Former uses up to 70% less water, which substantially lowers the energy required for drying. This research, which began about five years ago, has drawn broad interest from industry. A more recent project, funded by DOE-EERE and led by Carson Meredith, combines Multiphase Forming with the latest technologies in refining and drying.
Aidun earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and completed his Ph.D. at Clarkson University in 1985. He joined the Woodruff School in 2003 after serving two years as a program director at the National Science Foundation. He began at Georgia Tech in 1988 as an assistant professor at the Institute of Paper Science and Technology. Previously, he was a research scientist at Battelle Research Laboratories, a postdoctoral associate at Cornell University, and a senior research consultant at the National Science Foundation’s Supercomputer Center at Cornell.
Aidun has received several national and international honors, including the National Science Foundation Presidential Investigator Award, the Gunnar Nicholson Fellowship, and the L.E. Scriven Award from the International Society of Coating Science and Technology.
]]>The only one of its kind in North America, this innovative system significantly reduces the amount of water required to process paper. As a result, the heat and energy needed to dry the paper—typically an energy-intensive process—are also reduced. The Multiphase Forming Lab uses up to 70% less water, which substantially lowers the energy required for drying.
Xu brings over 20 years of experience in managing laboratory paper machines and pilot testing equipment, along with a robust background in fluid mechanics, material science, and instrumentation development. His professional experience includes significant roles at International Paper, AstenJohnson, and Georgia Tech’s George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering.
"We are thrilled to have John lead the establishment and operation of this new facility," said Carson Meredith, RBI executive director. "His extensive knowledge and industry experience make him the ideal leader to partner with both RBI members and non-members to drive reduced energy consumption and costs.”
Xu's career is marked by innovative research and successful commercialization of new products and processes. At AstenJohnson, he served as a senior research scientist, specializing in forming and press fabrics used in the paper industry. His work led to the commercialization of several new forming and press products, and he managed pilot press stand at AstenJohnson and participated in papermaking trials at different pilot facilities to evaluate the performance of these fabrics.
Prior to AstenJohnson, Xu held positions at International Paper's Corporate Technology Center, where he managed the Microfinishing Lab and Humidity Resistant Liner Lab. His research provided critical insights that influenced the company’s major business decisions. He also developed various unique instruments for different paper mills at International Paper.
Xu earned his Ph.D. in paper science and mechanical engineering from Georgia Tech’s Institute of Paper Science and Technology. His doctoral research focused on the measurement of fiber suspension flow and forming jet velocity profile using Pulsed Ultrasonic Doppler Velocimetry (PUDV). He also holds a B.S. in Material Science and Engineering from Tsinghua University in Beijing, China.
For more information about the Multiphase Forming Lab, please contact: Hanjiang (John) Xu at hanjiang.xu@me.gatech.edu
]]>The Multiphase Forming System, the only one of its kind in North America, dramatically reduces the amount of water needed in the paper production process. By using up to 70% less water, the system also significantly cuts down on the energy required for drying — traditionally one of the most energy-intensive steps in papermaking. This innovation, developed by principal investigator Cyrus Aidun, not only enhances efficiency but also supports broader sustainability goals by lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
The grand opening event featured remarks from Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera, Executive Vice President for Research Tim Lieuwen, and Carson Meredith, executive director of RBI, among others. Attendees included industry leaders, researchers, and students, all eager to witness the unveiling of a technology that has been five years in the making.
The Multiphase Forming project has garnered widespread interest from the paper and packaging industries. A recent extension of the research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (DOE-EERE), integrates this forming system with cutting-edge refining and drying technologies. Led by Meredith, this initiative aims to further reduce energy consumption and environmental impact in paper manufacturing. John Xu has been appointed to run the facility.
Meredith said, “Today is milestone in RBI’s history, as we continue to partner and innovate with the paper and pulp industry. We’d like to share our gratitude with our researchers, students and industry sponsors International Paper, Kimberly Clark and Solenis.”
]]>Highlights included talks on membrane separations, electrochemical processing and low-carbon fuels, with contributions from experts such as Chris Luettgen, Jose Gonzalez, Sankar Nair, Marta Hatzell and Dave Beck.
Insights from the 2025 RBI Spring Workshop
The workshop also featured a student poster session, networking opportunities and updates on APPTI collaborative projects. The event concluded with a meeting of the RBI Industry Advisory Board, reinforcing the institute’s role as a hub for partnership and innovation in renewable bioproducts.
“We’re grateful to our industry member partners for sharing their time and expertise,” said Belinda Vogel, research engagement manager. “The advisory board meeting highlighted how essential collaboration is in advancing basic science and renewable bioproduct manufacturing.”
]]>Atlanta’s tech scene is buzzing, and Georgia Tech’s Office of Commercialization is at the center of the action. In the heart of Tech Square, we’re joining the citywide journey of innovation and connection by curating events for Atlanta Tech Week powered by Render. The Tech Square Tech Hop, happening Wednesday, June 11, from 3 to 5 p.m., will showcase the city’s dynamic startup landscape, bringing together founders, funders, builders, and believers.
Tech Square Tech Hop is a demonstration of Georgia Tech’s pivotal role in coordinated work advancing Atlanta’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The event aligns directly with the Institute’s strategic plan, particularly Big Bet 4, which focuses on developing a vibrant business and entrepreneurial hub anchored in the heart of campus.
By transforming Tech Square into a walkable innovation showcase, Tech Hop brings visibility to the often-unseen relationships and resources that drive the entrepreneurial spirit. This includes collective efforts with the Georgia Tech Food and Beverage Accelerator under EI², which spotlights the growth of food and beverage startups across Atlanta, as well as collaborations with Tech Square Ventures, Engage, ATDC, CREATE-X, and Quadrant-i to elevate the visibility of startup ventures born from Tech Square programs and highlight the support ecosystem available to founders.
The Office of Commercialization is fully mobilized not only to support Georgia Tech faculty, staff, and students but also to substantially grow entrepreneurship programs through powerful partnerships. “Our commitment to building a national hub for innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship is stronger than ever. Through collaborations with the city, state, and other organizations, we are dedicated to making Atlanta a leading example of inclusive progress,” says Raghupathy "Siva" Sivakumar, vice president of Commercialization and chief commercialization officer for Georgia Tech.
The Institute’s leadership extends beyond Atlanta Tech Week. Central to this work is our partnership with the City of Atlanta, where Mayor Andre Dickens is advancing a bold vision to establish Atlanta as a top-five U.S. tech hub. In support of this goal, the city launched two signature initiatives in 2023 that unite Atlanta’s Office of Technology and Innovation with leading academic institutions, including Georgia Tech, Clark Atlanta University, Emory University, Georgia State University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Spelman College.
One flagship initiative is the Atlanta Collegiate Entrepreneurship Syndicate (ACES), a cross-institutional alliance designed to strengthen Atlanta’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by leveraging shared talent, resources, and ideas. ACES stands as a model of unified effort within Georgia’s collegiate system, laying the groundwork for long-term economic growth and development.
“Sustaining a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem requires an intentional approach,” says Michael “Dixon” Dixon, senior director of Strategic Initiatives and Operations. “Atlanta possesses tremendous assets — local talent, capital, and market opportunity — but true success hinges on our ability to strategically connect and leverage these strengths, with Georgia Tech serving as both convener and executor. This synergy is already yielding meaningful results.”
The second signature initiative underscores Georgia Tech’s strategic role as the host institution of Avant South, a conference that gives our faculty, students, and alumni a front-row seat to Atlanta’s evolving innovation ecosystem. By championing this effort, we elevate homegrown talent and technologies while opening new pathways for high-impact collaboration, startup visibility, and industry engagement. Last year’s conference spotlighted four sectors: media and entertainment, sports, digital arts, and entrepreneurship, exploring their future through the lens of emerging technologies. This year, Avant South returns Oct. 16 – 17 with a focus on transportation, complemented by key themes in fintech, energy, smart cities, and logistics.
Avant South shows where Atlanta’s innovation ecosystem is headed; Tech Square Tech Hop reveals where it’s already flourishing. Happening during Atlanta Tech Week (June 8 – 13), Tech Hop is a vibrant gathering of startups, innovation programs, and local food and beverage vendors, and a prime opportunity to meet the people driving Atlanta’s entrepreneurial energy.
The Tech Square Tech Hop is free and open to the public. To join the event, register here.
Georgia Tech’s Office of Commercialization is a cornerstone in turning the Institute’s leading-edge research into real-world applications and championing student entrepreneurial pursuits. It comprises four key units: CREATE-X, VentureLab, Quadrant-i, and Technology Licensing. These units empower students and faculty to launch startups, manage intellectual property, and transform research ideas into positive societal impact. Our mission is to accelerate innovation and improve the human condition, solidifying Georgia Tech’s leadership in technology and entrepreneurship.
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