Viet Pham, Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, “Techno-Economic Analysis of Biomass to Fuel via the MixAlco Process,” published in Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology (2010), 37(11), 1157-1168 (co-authors: Dr. Mark Holtzapple and Dr. Mahmoud El-Halwagi; advisor: Professor Mahmoud El-Halwagi)
Mr. Viet Pham is a Ph.D. candidate at the Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University. His work is on the cutting edge of using chemical engineering fundamentals in a unique, innovative, and rigorous manner to solve a pressing problem in the area of sustainable design.
The paper developed and applied various tools in synthesis, simulation, design, and economic analysis for a novel process of converting various types of biomass into mixed alcohols that can be used directly as biofuels or converted to liquid transportation fuels.
- 2010 Student Paper Award: Eman Tora, Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, "Optimal Design and Integration of Solar Systems and Fossil Fuels for Sustainable and Stable Power Outlet"
- 2010 Student Paper Award Runner-Up: Chaowei Liu, Department of Chemical Engineering, Lamar University, "Emission Source Characterization for Proactive Flare Minimization During Ethylene Plant Start-Ups"
- 2008 Student Paper Award: Ana Carvalho, Technical University of Denmark and the Insituto Superior Tecnico-Portugal, "Design of Sustainable Chemical Processes: Systematic Retrofit Analysis Generation and Evaluation of Alternatives"
- 2008 Student Paper Award: Cristina Piluso, Wayne State University, "Ecological Input-Output Analysis-Based Sustainability Analysis of Industrial Systems"