Hannah Nguyen
Graduate Student 2014-2018
Education: University of Oklahoma
Thesis Topic/Title: Catalytic routes to convert biomass as a renewable resource to valuable chemicals
Thesis Description: I am working on optimizing catalyst and reaction system in the conversion of monosaccharides to platform chemicals (e.g hydroxymethyl furfural). By fundamentally studying the relation between structure of the catalyst (zeolites, metal salts) and the effects on their own reactivity, we can tune the catalyst to suppress side reactions and maximize the yield of desired products. Experimental study in combination with reaction engineering modeling helps to find optimum reaction conditions, catalyst amount, solvent ratio for the whole process.
Contact: hnguyen@udel.edu
Other fun facts or hobbies: playing ping-pong, reading and travelling.