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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

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

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.

Languages I know

French, advanced

Teaching experience

During my undergraduate degree, I taught and tutored several classes. Most of these classes were freshman- or sophomore-level classes. I enjoyed these teaching experiences because I was able to engage younger students with the material and hopefully maintain their interest in the field I am in. This semester, I am teaching again. This time, I am teaching freshmen-level math, so I am excited to maintain interest in math and engineering for new students.

Credentials

Work experience

Iowa State University (2020 - 2021)
Research Fellow

Education

Iowa State University
BSE Bachelor of Science in Engineering (2021)
Chemical and Biological Engineering
Princeton University
PhD Doctor of Philosophy candidate
Chemical and Biological Engineering

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