Bio: Michelle Bester is a Postdoctoral Appointee in the Electric Power Systems Research department at Sandia National Laboratories. Her primary research includes geospatial analysis and computer modeling of fuel characteristics and vegetation treatments for wildfire grid resilience. She received her doctorate degree from West Virginia University and was awarded the ASPRS William A. Fischer Memorial Scholarship for “New and innovative uses of remote sensing data/techniques”. She also has experience working on Artificial Intelligence and Community Driven Wildland Fire Innovations 3D Fuel Characterization for evaluating physics-based fire behavior, fire effects and smoke models.

Abstract: The increasing severity and frequency of wildfires over the past decade pose significant threats to utilities and communities. Electric grid equipment is both a potential cause of wildfires and vulnerable to damage from them, resulting in substantial power outages and financial distress for utility companies. Accurate canopy metrics, specifically Canopy Bulk Density (CBD) are essential for fire spread simulation models to predict and manage wildfires effectively. Current methods for estimating canopy metrics either rely on field surveys, which are costly and time-consuming, or modeling techniques with weak correlations with field data. Our goal is to enhance these estimations by integrating LiDAR-derived products with machine learning algorithms. This improved data, combined with fire simulations, will inform and optimize vegetation treatment plans near power lines, promoting a safer and more resilient electric grid.

Bio: Natasha Murphy is a bioengineer who holds a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Cambridge, UK. She is currently a postdoctoral researcher at National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), where her research focuses on the optimization of the enzymatic PET recycling process. She is passionate about environmental sustainability!

Abstract: When did you last throw away a plastic bag or bottle? Every day, we’re collectively generating massive quantities of plastic waste, which is piling up in our landfills, and polluting our lands and seas. There’s therefore an urgent need to recycle our plastic waste effectively and sustainably. Enzymes are an emerging and promising technology which offer a nature-inspired solution for recycling our plastics. In spite of this, a number of significant obstacles remain to scaling up enzymatic recycling. Listen in to find out more about how my research at NREL is addressing the final hurdles to applying enzymes in plastic recycling!

Bio: Aaron is a chemical engineering postdoc at NREL in the Bioenergy Science and Technology directorate. He completed his PhD in Chemistry at Rice University with a focus on sustainable plasmonic photocatalysis. Prior to that, he was a Fulbright researcher in Spain studying perovskite solar cells.

Abstract: Nitriles, and specifically acrylonitrile, are a highly versatile class of materials, forming the basis of the production of synthetic fibers, contact lenses, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and much more. However, all industrial acrylonitrile is derived from unsustainable fossil fuel sources, generating a massive environmental impact. In this talk, I will present how we are scaling the catalytic production of bio-based acrylonitrile from renewable sources, to decarbonize the nitrile supply chain.

Bio: Adarsh Kumar is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, specializing in the upgrading of biomass-derived furfurals to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). He earned his PhD from the CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum, a leading national laboratory in India focused on renewable energy research. Adarsh possesses extensive experience and expertise in development of novel catalytic materials, targeted application for bio-oil upgrading, and the production of specialty carbons and chemicals from biomass and lignin. An accomplished researcher, he holds one Indian patent and has authored 28 research papers published in prestigious, peer-reviewed journals. Additionally, he has contributed to two book chapters for renowned academic publishers, reflecting his commitment to advancing knowledge in the field of renewable energy.

Abstract: The aviation industry faces significant challenges related to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, primarily due to its reliance on conventional jet fuels derived from fossil sources. This talk explores the potential of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) produced from corn stalks, as a viable alternative. Utilizing a multi-step process, we break down corn stalks into sugars, followed by the production of furfurals, which serve as precursors for aviation-range hydrocarbons. My research focuses on the development of catalysts that convert furfurals into cyclic ketones, facilitating the necessary chain elongation for jet fuel applications. Additionally, catalytic hydrodeoxygenation is performed on long-chain ketones for removing oxygen and making hydrocarbons. Preliminary fuel testing results indicate that the produced cyclic hydrocarbons fulfill all the jet fuel properties with 15% higher energy. This research not only aims to reduce the carbon footprint of air travel by up to 70% compared to conventional jet fuel but also seeks to stimulate rural economies by creating new jobs in agriculture and fuel production. Ultimately, our work aligns with the mission of the Department of Energy to foster sustainable energy solutions and minimize waste, paving the way for a greener future in aviation.