Graduate Research
Your graduate work can create a better future and impact the world.
We understand that you have made a conscious choice to pursue an advanced degree and we want to make sure that you get the most out of the graduate experience. We will work with you to structure a graduate program consisting of traditional course study, non-traditional studies (independent study, distance coursework, etc.) and research that will help you to achieve your goals.
Key Research Areas
We offer exciting fundamental as well as applied research opportunities in the areas of sustainable energy and material science. Our program includes high quality research with substantial interaction between the student and the research advisor(s). Research interests in the department include:
- Coal and bio-based fuels and chemicals
- Energy technologies, processes, and policies
- Heterogeneous catalysis
- Photocatalytic oxidation
- Polymer reaction engineering, synthesis, and rheology
- Organic aerosol formation and partitioning
- Mathematical modeling of multicomponent aerosols
- Polymeric membranes and composite materials
- Biocomposite, nanocomposite, and nanobiocomposite materials
- Organic photovoltaic materials
- Environmental impact of heavy metals and particulate matter
- Development of carbon from waste material sources
Research Collaboration
Representative of the real‐world scenarios that you may encounter after graduation, our projects are often multi‐disciplinary in nature and involve collaborations with other engineers, scientists and industry. Projects are often conducted through collaboration with the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC). The department also participates in the multidisciplinary masters programs within the College of Engineering & Mines.
Faculty That Make a Difference
Our small student to faculty ratio (3‐4 graduate students per faculty) allows us to structure your program of study and research individually to meet your educational objectives. Our faculty are accessible, approachable and welcoming. You will work closely with your faculty advisor one-on-one. Most faculty have industrial experience and you will begin to understand the real-world outcomes of your research.