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NSF Highlights Fuel Cell Research at University of South Carolina

The National Science Foundation has produced a video featuring the efforts of the USC and the Greater Columbia region to become a hub of the hydrogen economy. The video link below highlights Chemical Engineering Faculty John Van Zee and John Weidner. A number of faculty and students are engaged in research related to the various fuel cell technologies as well as hydrogen generation and storage.

The Science Nation episode, "Hydrogen Trailblazers" can be seen at the NFS website [ here ]

Congratulations to Joey Montoya

Joey Montoya, a Senior in our Chemical Engineering program was a 2009 Rhodes Scholar Finalist and travelled to Kansas City, Missouri to compete for one of 32 Rhodes Scholarships awarded annually. The University of South Carolina has had nine Rhodes Scholars including Chemical Engineering's Dr. Caroline Potter ( nee Parler ).

We are very proud of this distinction, and of Joey's many accomplishments. Joey was a 2008 Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship, one of two USC students to receive that award this year. Joey has done undergraduate research, and is completing the requirements for a second degree in Math. He continues our Department's tradition of fielding excellent students.

Chemical Engineering Ranks #12 Nationally

Chemical Engineering remains among the national leaders in funding for research. The USC Department of Chemical Engineering ranked twelfth nationally in total research expenditures for 2006, according to National Science Foundation data. Complete information on the faculty and their projects can be found on their individual web sites. The breadth of research is illustrated by the following selection of recent awards:

• "Operando Vibrational Spectroscopic Investigation of Heterogeneous Asymmetric Hydrogenation on Transition Metal Catalysts" funded by the National Science Foundation for Professor Chris Williams.
• "Optimal Design of Compact Fuel Cell Hybrid Power Systems (STTR - Phase II)" funded by IDV Inc. and the U.S. Army for Professor Ralph White.
• "Role of BMP-2 Peptide Grafted Poly(Lactide) In Cranial Regeneration" funded by the Oral and Maxillofacial Research Foundation, for Professor Esmaiel Jabbari.
• "Development of Advanced Unitized Regenerative Fuel Cell", funded by NASA/EPSCoR for Professor Branko Popov.
• "Surface-Engineered Nanoparticles to Inhibit Protein Aggregation," funded by the National Science Foundation for Professor Melissa Moss.

Congratulations to Jeff Barhill

Jeff Barnhill is spending Spring 2008 on a co-op rotation with ExxonMobil in Houston. In the fall, Jeff will return as a proud member of the USC marching band, where he has served as mellophone section leader and drum major.

Congratulations to Karen Wigal

Karen Wigal (USC ECHE 2007) is currently working for Baker Risk consulting. While at USC she was captain of the cross country team while maintaining a 4.0 GPA in chemical engineering.

Congratulations to Tristan Glodeck

Tristan Glodeck was recently selected for membership in both the Phi Beta Kappa honor society and the Tau Beta Pi engineering honor society. He is currently on active duty in the Navy and may serve in the submarine command after graduation.

Congratulations to Ashley Rhoderick

Senior Ashley Rhoderick of Middletown, MD has been awarded a $12,500 Rotary International three-month cultural scholarship which she plans to use in Cairo, Egypt next fall. She will study Arabic at American University. She hopes to remain in the Middle East to assist countries with development of alternative forms of energy.

Congratulations to Kathryn Johnson

Kathryn Johnson (USC ECHE 2007) was awarded both a Goldwater scholarship and a NSF graduate Fellowship. She performed research with Dr. Melissa Moss and is currently pursuing her PhD at the University of Minnesota. Her sister Caroline is currently a freshman Rothberg Scholar in Chemical Engineering at USC.

Congratulations to Fahmin Basher

Fahmin Basher recently received a Goldwater Scholarship, a national award given annually to about 300 undergraduates majoring in science, math, or engineering. She is an undergraduate researcher working for Dr. Melissa Moss. Fahmin will pursue a MD/PhD degree after graduation.

Chemical Engineering Leads University in Startup Companies

Chemical Engineering Department researchers created three of the six USC startup companies in 2006. USC ranked 19th nationally and 14th among public universities. The companies include:

• DEnergy LLC
      Ruth and Walker Rast with Dr. Thomas Davis and Dr. Michael Matthews
• Palmetto Fuel Cell Analysis and Design LLC
      Dr. John Van Zee and Dr. Sirivatch Shimpalee

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