Current students

Chimezie Frank Onwudinjo is currently studying for a master's degree in chemical engineering at Bucknell University. His current research revolves around repurposing spent lithium-ion batteries for bifunctional material synthesis for climate change mitigation. He is passionate about advancing STEM education, sustainable process optimization and materials discovery through cutting-edge research. He is interested in designing more sustainable engineering operations, especially embedding the circular economy concept. Over the years, he has gained transboundary experience given his characteristic adaptability, resilience and proven track record of working comfortably in multidisciplinary teams. He has relished cognate stints with the energy and process industries as well as academia. Frank is a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), registered engineer (R.Engr.) with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), a Corporate Member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and a Licensed Professional Teacher certified by the Teachers' Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN). At his leisure, he likes playing soccer and travelling adventurously.

Ahsan Khan is a graduate student at Bucknell University, where his current research focuses on developing corrosion-mitigation strategies for safer lithium-ion battery discharge and evaluating electrolyte formulations that minimize metal loss during end-of-life processing. Prior to this, he completed his first Master’s degree at Chulalongkorn University as an ASEAN–Non-ASEAN Scholar in Thailand and a CSC Scholarship recipient in China, working on carbon utilization through the synthesis of carbon nanotubes from methane-ethane feedstocks. Ahsan earned his Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, designing a 20-MTD methanol production plant from synthesis gas and receiving second place for his final-year project. He has been honored with multiple awards, including the Pakistan Federal Government Scholarship and Graduate Assistantships from Ghulam Ishaq Khan University and Bucknell University. He is also a registered Chemical Engineer with the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) and a member of AIChE.

Omuhle Lethiwe Ndhlovu is a changemaker and aspiring energy innovator pursuing a dual degree in Chemical Engineering and Engineering Management at Bucknell University. She is passionate about leveraging engineering research, storytelling, and social impact to improve lives. Omuhle is the founder of Ikusasa, a youth empowerment initiative focused on entrepreneurship and opportunity access for young people in Zimbabwe. Her work with Ikusasa earned her the Davis Foundation’s Projects for Peace Grant (2024) and the Bucknell 30 Under 30 Changemaker Award (2024), highlighting her commitment to innovation and community-centered leadership. She is currently conducting independent research to identify and prioritize potential underground hydrogen storage sites in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region using ArcGIS Pro through a multi-criteria decision-making framework based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP).

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Priyanka Poplai is a first-year biochemistry student engaged in research involving repurposing electronic waste for environmental applications. Currently, she is working on optimizing the recovery of zinc and manganese from spent alkaline batteries. She is passionate about sustainability and health and hopes to continue to find ways to merge her interests in chemical engineering and biochemistry.

Makenzie Krance is a sophomore Chemical Engineering student at Bucknell University.  She loves math and science and participated in many science competitions throughout middle and high school.  In her free time she likes to hike, listen to music and podcasts, and do puzzles.  She is currently working on developing biochar based absorbent for pharmaceutical removal from waste water. 

Reed Muir is a sophomore chemical engineering major at Bucknell University. His research is currently focused on optimizing the process involved with synthesizing Lithium Orthosilicate. Lithium Orthosilicate can be used for carbon capture when heated to high temperature. Reed is passionate about the environment and sustainability and hopes to make a difference in these areas 

Noah Thorpe is a sophomore studying chemical engineering at Bucknell University. His passion for science and mathematics began at an early age, and high school courses in chemistry and engineering solidified his interest in pursuing a career in chemical engineering. At Bucknell, Noah is an active member of the university’s Chem-E-Car Team, which qualified to compete at the 2024 national AIChE conference. Originally from Concord, Massachusetts, Noah balances his academic pursuits with interests in ice hockey, golf, and fitness. He is currently engaged in a project aimed at repurposing spent lithium batteries and functionalizing their materials for use in carbon dioxide capture.

 Alnur Gazizuly - Bucknell Universty class of 2029, Computer Engineering. Research Interests: Developing machine-learning models to better understand, predict, and optimize metal leaching behavior in various chemical and environmental conditions.

Diego Nuñez-Castañeda is a Bucknell University student, class of 2029, studying Chemical Engineering. Beyond his passion for sustainability, Diego enjoys going on runs, going to the gym, and reading. He is currently engaged in a project aimed at recovering zinc from spent alkaline batteries and repurposing it into zinc nanoparticles for catalysis

Abasi-Ofon Tom is currently a PhD student in the School of Sustainable, Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering at the University of Oklahoma. He is interested in the design of catalysts for sustainable energy production using computational, ML, and techno-economic approaches. In the Gunasooriya Lab, he is working on next-generation catalyst design for Carbon chemistry. In his free time, Tom enjoys playing racing games. 

Kaustubh Pandit is a sophomore pursuing an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Computer Science. He is originally from Pune, India. His childhood fascination with the intricate dance of gears and pulleys fueled his choice of Mechanical Engineering, viewing them as indices of creativity and innovation. He sees mechanical engineering as a means to unlock the secrets of the universe's machinery, from the delicate flutter of butterfly wings to the power of roaring engines. His research pursuits span robotics, engineering education, computer automation, bio instrumentation, and bioimaging. Kaustubh's journey into mechanical engineering stems from a profound fascination ignited by a simple birthday gift – a remote-controlled drone. Entranced by the complexities of flight and automation, he embarked on a quest to understand the mysteries behind these marvels and innovate. Inspired by visionary figures like Elon Musk, whose determined spirit and relentless pursuit of innovation resonated deeply, Kaustubh found a beacon of possibility in the vast expanse of engineering. He aspires to continue his academic journey by attending graduate school, viewing engineering not just as a career path, but as a lifelong journey of exploration. He is working on developing AI workflow for the optimization of chemical processes. 

Oluwadamilola Oyinloye is a PhD candidate (Co-supervised with Dr. Adekunle Adeleke at Nile University Nigeria). She holds both BSc and MSc in Industrial Chemistry from the University of ilorin, ilorin Kwara state. Oluwadamilola is currently running her PhD program in the department of Industrial Chemistry  at Nile University of Nigeria. She is working on " Enhanced biogas production from Agricultural and food waste through anaerobic digestion using Biochar as catalyst. Her research seeks to focus on the influence of biochar using  different temperature on the production of biogas in anaerobic digestion of agricultural  and food waste, techno- economic, and life cycle analysis of the integrated process.

Hauwau Kaoje is a PhD candidate (Co-supervised with Dr. Adekunle Adeleke at Nile University Nigeria). She holds a BSc in Applied Chemistry from Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto and MSc in Industrial Chemistry from Kebbi-State University of Science and Technology, Aleiru. Hauwau is now a PhD student in Department of Industrial Chemistry, Nile University of Nigeria. She is currently working on “Bio-oil production from hybrid lignocellulose biomass “.The research will also focus on integrating bio-oil production within broader bio refinery and circular economy frameworks to achieve holistic environmental and economic benefits. This work seeks to focus on feedstock diversification, innovative reactor designs, biochemical upgrading, and sustainability. These advancements will be crucial in realizing the full potential of bio-oil as renewable and sustainable energy source.