(6o) Integrating Molecular Modeling with Experimental Work to Propel a Bioproducts Pipeline

Research Interests: Throughout my studies I have explored different aspects of bioproduct development, from using biotechnology to harvest biologically based materials that are valuable all the way to designing industrial processes. As a researcher I seek to engage a diverse group of peers and students in developing sustainable chemical products that can compete, in terms of quality and economic value, with existing products on the market. A dual focus on molecular modeling and experimental work will accelerate fundamental science related to biomolecule recovery. Being able to extract, separate, and purify valuable biomolecules from plants or biomass is a critical initial step in developing bioproducts like pharmaceuticals or sustainable chemicals. Using biotechnology – including biostatistics, molecular modeling, and advanced instrumentation in the laboratory – is critical to building a bioproducts pipeline that can ultimately allow novel sustainable products to make it to market. To continue to establish myself as a researcher in the bioproducts development space, I would seek to train and engage students in laboratory work and experiments while also teaching those who are interested in how specialized software can allow them to carry out virtual experiments and aid in process design. I envision valorization of underutilized biomaterials by developing them into building blocks for production of new consumer-ready sustainable bioproducts. This includes developing pharmaceuticals, ingredients (food, beverage, cosmetics), and value-added chemicals from sustainable sources through environmentally-friendly processes. A dual focus on modeling and experimentation is useful in carrying out fundamental research and propelling the results toward real-world applications.

Teaching Interests: My goal as an educator is to develop a curriculum and classroom atmosphere that engages students from diverse backgrounds in the learning process through dynamic lessons and activities. Throughout my experiences teaching students at different stages of their academic careers and in settings including small groups, laboratories, and large lecture halls, I have developed my teaching philosophy and continue to look for innovative methods to create an inclusive classroom environment for students to learn. My education and background in chemical and biological process engineering gives me the versatility to teach a variety of courses in CHE or CHBE curricula, including courses on (bio)separations, process design, computational techniques, and more. In order to prepare CHE students for diverse career paths, I will set goals for student learning, use a variety of teaching methods, and use different assessment tools to make sure student learning objectives are met. I aspire to engage students in and out of the classroom and help them reach their full potential.

PhD Dissertation:

Molecular Modeling of High Oleic Soybean Oil as an Extraction Solvent for Removing Hydrogen Sulfide from Natural Gas; advised by Dr. Abigail Engelberth, Purdue University.

Selected Grants & Awards:

2019 Wadsworth Graduate Mentoring Award (Purdue), 2019 Outstanding Service Award from ABE/College of Engineering (Purdue), 2017 Society for Industrial Microbiology Diversity Travel Grant, 2016 International Countercurrent Chromatography Conference Travel Grant

Selected Publications:

Brace, E.C., & Engelberth, A.S. (2017). Enhancing silymarin fractionation using the conductor-like screening model for real solvents. Journal of Chromatography A, 1487, 187-193.

Zhang, H., Brace, E.C., & Engelberth, A.S. (2016). Selection of a nonaqueous two-phase solvent system for fractionation of xylo-oligosacchardie prebiotics using a conductor-like screening model for real solvents. Journal of Liquid Chromatography & Related Technologies, 39(14), 666-673.