The research, project by project
The research appointments that have shaped this work, each summarised with its problem, approach, and results.
Zeolite catalysis for bio-derived molecules
Doctoral research in the Harris Laboratory at The University of Alabama, since Spring 2023.
The problem
Glycerol is the unavoidable by-product of biodiesel and ethanol is one of the few renewable carbon feedstocks available at scale. Upgrading either one usefully depends on what a catalyst does inside its own pores.
The approach
Synthesise and test Beta zeolites of varied hydrophobicity, void polarity, and framework topology, and measure how those properties change glycerol etherification with ethanol and the olefin distribution formed during ethanol upgrading.
Key results
A first-author manuscript is in revision at the Journal of Catalysis; related work appeared in Applied Catalysis B (2026); a co-first-author manuscript on acetone co-feeding is in preparation. Five conference presentations to date.
Acid mine drainage valorization
Research Assistant, Environmental Nano Science Research Group, February 2020 – September 2022.
The problem
Acid mine drainage is treated as a hazard to be neutralised rather than a resource. Toxic mining wastewater is a problem — but it is also a source of iron.
The approach
Develop nanomaterials and catalysts for acid mine drainage valorization using green synthesis methods, with material characterization, liquid- and gas-phase reactor testing, and data-driven process optimization.
Key results
Stabilized iron nanoparticles synthesised from acid mine drainage and Rooibos tea, published as first author in ACS Omega (2022); bimetallic FeMn nanoparticles for azo-dye degradation published in the International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology (2023).
Winery wastewater to biogas and fertilizer
Research Assistant, Institute of Biomedical and Microbial Biotechnology, February 2019 – December 2019.
The problem
Primary winery wastewater sludge is a disposal burden. Anaerobic digestion could turn it into energy and soil nutrients — if the process conditions are right.
The approach
Investigate anaerobic digestion of primary winery wastewater sludge under different temperature and nutrient conditions; measure methane yield and by-products; characterise the sludge to evaluate process efficiency.
Key results
Published in Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery (2023), including evaluation of the digestate for reuse as a fertilizer.
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