Engineering Fellows & Co-Teachers

Meet the class of 2012-2013

Thomas "Cole" Branch
Chemical & Environmental Engineering

My name is Cole Branch, and I am currently working under Dr. Kundu in the department of engineering mechanics. I am in my first year as a Ph.D student, but have already completed my masters in mechanical engineering which puts me slightly closer to completion of my Ph.D. My research uses ultrasonic fields to examine piping systems for flaws. The key feature being developed is the ability to test systems without having to physically access to portion of pipe in question. This ability would be of substantial value to nearly all industries since piping is such a fundamental part of so many systems; and testing portions of pipe from a distance will improve efficiency and quality control. I decided to join the GK-12 program in order to improve my communication skills, learn more about what the general public does and doesn’t know about engineering, and to try to improve technical education in the lower school levels. Outside of school I enjoy hiking, swimming, rowing, golf, croquet and many other outdoor activities.

Jessica Drewry
Chemical & Environmental Engineering

My name is Jessica Drewry and I am a first year M.S. student and Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. I am working to model algal growth in open, raceway ponds for biofuels production. The model uses computer software to predict algal growth based on parameters such as temperature, nutrient levels, intensity of the sun, and water velocity. In addition, this will lead to the ability to optimize raceway ponds for increased biomass production based on pond design, climatic conditions, and algal species. This will allow for determination of the amount of algal biomass, and ultimately biofuels, that can be produced under given conditions; leading to the assessment of the long term viability and sustainability of using algal biofuels for energy.

I look forward to sharing my love of science and engineering with middle school and high school age students. I think it is important to excite young students about the challenges and rewards of the science, technology, and engineering fields in hopes that they will pursue careers in those fields.

Hahn Duong
Chemical & Environmental Engineering

My name is Hanh Duong. I am currently in second year in PhD program in Chemical and Environmental Engineering. My research is devoted to atmospheric aerosol particles, which influence society and the environment in many ways including altering the planet’s energy budget, the hydrologic cycle, public health, and harvesting of solar energy.

Aerosols are the suspended solid or liquid particles in the atmosphere, ranging in diameter from nanometers to micrometers (close to thickness of hair). Sources of atmospheric aerosols include anthropogenic emissions and also natural processes such as volcanoes and direct emissions of dust, sea spray, and biological particles. The main objective of my research is to use satellite observations, cloud models, aircraft and ground-based measurements, and laboratory experiments to study aerosols and their effects in the atmosphere. Ultimately, the results of this work are intended to improve parameterizations that can be embedded in models to predict future patterns in rainfall and the earth’s energy balance.

I decide to go into the GK12 program because I want to obtain experience in teaching and enlightening youth in a junior/high school classroom setting while continuing to pursue my degree. I like to share my experiences in my research and school with the students. I find that this program is very exciting because this program helps young students to develop knowledge that they need for their future. It 's like building a solid foundation for a house.

In my spare time, I like to play bowling and badminton.

Kimberly Garcia
Chemical & Environmental Engineering

My research is focused on the production of biofuel through the growth, harvest, and extraction of lipids from algae.  Currently, my research is focused on increasing the efficiency of traditional lipid extraction techniques and the use of wastewater as an algal growth medium.

Research results will provide benefits in two main areas: lipid extraction efficiency and water conservation.  This research is intended to provide information that will increase the efficiency of the lipid extraction process, which is currently labor intensive and requires exposure to hazardous chemicals.  Increasing the efficiency of the extraction method by using specialized instrumentation will decrease the time and labor required to extract the energy rich lipids from the algae in order to produce algal biofuel on an industrial scale.  Additionally, this research will provide information that will be used to reuse and recycle wastewater as an algal growth medium in order to produce biofuel with limited nutrient addition while avoiding the use of fresh water supplies. 

My goal in becoming involved with the GK-12 program is to become a role model and mentor for students who may be at a point in their lives when they are beginning to make life decisions about the career opportunities that are available to them.  I want these students to begin thinking about how science concepts apply to them and the world around them, and ultimately, I would like to see them pursue degrees in science, math, or engineering because of the inspiration they received through this program. I particularly want to encourage young female students to study science and engineering at the university level since many of them seem to think that becoming an engineer or scientist is out of reach.

Outside of school, I am a busy mother of two wonderful children.  I have two wonderful kids, 7 and 13, and a great husband who I love to spend time with.  I really enjoy talking and teaching them about everyday science and why the world is the way it is.  We enjoy reading, watching television, and hanging around the house with our pets.

Pei-Shih Liang
Agriculture & Biosystems Engineering

Pei Liang, first year Ph.D. student in the Department of Agricultural Biosystems Engineering. My research focuses on developing a hand-held lab-on-a-chip device to detect pathogens in water and soil. The study combines my civil and environmental engineering background with my current study on lab-on-a-chip technology and biological engineering.

A complete lab-on-a-chip device is a fully automated miniature chemical/biological laboratory that can minimize human labor and reduce the sample size to save samples and chemical agents. With our latest device, we are able to detect E. coli in water sample within 5 minutes including the time needed for preparing samples. Applying the technology, we can tremendously improve the water quality monitoring system and traditional sampling methods in the field.

The GK-12 Program is an excellent developmental opportunity that puts two of my favorite things, teaching and researching, together. I am excited about sharing my knowledge of water, environment, and engineering with students and getting feedback from them. Technology is developed and improved for human needs. As I inspire students to explore and understand more about our environment and how engineering can make it better, I believe I will also be inspired by their ideas and different ways to see the world.

Besides the time in the classrooms and laboratories, I like to do some outdoor activities or try some different sports although I am usually bad at them. I am originally from Taiwan, only moved to the United States about two years ago. Exploring different places in this country is always my favorite thing to do outside of research and sometimes these activities give me new thoughts on my research as well.

Chris Tucker
Chemical & Environmental Engineering

My name is Chris Tucker and I am a first year doctoral student in chemical engineering. My research involves using hydrogen and oxygen inside a fuel cell to produce electricity. This method of alternative power will be useful in reducing the dependency on fossil fuels as well as reducing the amount of pollution from gasoline powered cars. There are vehicles operated by fuel cells currently, however, it is expensive; therefore, more research is being done to help increase the performance and decrease the price of production. I decided to go into the GK-12 program because I feel that it is very important to share ideas with young students and help get them interested in chemistry and engineering. I am constantly trying to improve my communication skills with others and I think that this program will help me continue that effort.

Aside from school and the lab, I have a passion for singing a cappella with friends, as well as playing my guitars and writing new songs. I also enjoy playing basketball and spending time with friends when I can.