James T
- Research Program Mentor
PhD candidate at Princeton University
Expertise
Plasma-assisted catalysis, sustainable chemicals production, renewable energy research
Bio
As an undergraduate, I discovered a passion for research in the fields of sustainability and renewable energy. I equally discovered a passion for teaching and mentoring by being a teaching assistant and tutor for classes. Now in graduate school, I am excited to teach and mentor younger students with more expertise and background. In my free time, I like to play video games, play tennis, and hang out with friends. I also want to teach myself to play piano and I want to paint more. I have studied French, so I also enjoy conversations in French or watching French movies.Project ideas
Sustainable chemical production
Most chemicals our world relies on today are produced with petrochemical feedstocks (oil, natural gas). Research and discuss the possibility for replacing the petrochemical feedstock with a renewable one, such as biomass. Which chemicals can (and are already) produced with renewable feedstocks, and which chemicals will be more difficult or require more research to produce sustainably?
Electrifying ammonia synthesis
Ammonia is an important precursor for many chemical products, most notably fertilizers on which a huge portion of the human population depends. However, ammonia is currently produced via the Haber-Bosch process, which requires the burning of fossil fuels to sustain the elevated temperature of the reaction. Research and discuss sustainable alternatives to the Haber-Bosch process to produce ammonia that utilize renewable energy. Further discuss the feasibility of these alternatives and the research still required to implement them.