In this podcast we speak to researchers in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London and learn about what they're working on and its relevance in the world around us. Our podcast is for everyone, scientists and non-scientists alike! Listen to us if you want to find out what chemical engineers do, how they ended up in their field of research and what their work means for society. The podcast, previously hosted by Ben, is now being taken over by Diya, a PhD student from the Department of Chemical Engineering.
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Join host Diya Agrawal in conversation with Dr. Mehmet Mercangoz, ABB Associate Professor of Autonomous Industrial Systems. In this episode, they explore how AI and machine learning are transforming process systems engineering, and what this shift could mean for the future of chemical plants. Hear first-hand insights grounded in research and practice from a leading researcher shaping the next generation of intelligent industrial systems.
This episode features Professor Jerry Heng, an expert in crystallization and particle engineering. He defines crystals, explores their ubiquity, and delves into his research on controlling crystal formation, growth, and regeneration. The discussion highlights crystallization's historical significance, its crucial role in pharmaceuticals and other industries, the complexities of polymorphism, and the importance of precise control over crystal properties for product performance and intellectual property.
Professor Martin Trostler, a thermophysics expert, explores the critical role of thermophysical science in advancing clean energy solutions. The discussion delves into the challenges and potential of carbon capture and storage, the future of hydrogen as a sustainable fuel, and the development of next-generation liquid fuels. He also shares insights into designing bespoke lab equipment for precision measurements under extreme conditions and the broader economic and political hurdles faced by these crucial technologies.
In this podcast, we welcome the award-winning educator and researcher, Dr. Umang Shah. Umang is the Principal Teaching Fellow in Chemical Engineering, deeply involved in undergraduate teaching, particularly laboratory instruction. Let's hear from Umang on what it takes for a great educator to design impactful lab experiences, foster student engagement, and integrate sustainability into teaching practices. Join us as we explore the challenges and innovations in modern lab education and gain valua...
Former podcast host Ben Strain shares insights into his PhD research at Imperial College, focusing on genome scale metabolic models that simulate cellular reactions for health and industrial applications. He elaborates on data integration, machine learning, and his valuable experience validating models during a placement at GSK. The conversation also explores the future of these models, the pros and cons of academic versus industry careers, and practical advice for PhD students.
In this episode, we speak to Jason Hallet, Professor of Sustainable Chemical Technology in the Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London. He tells us all about his work involving the production of lignocellulosic biofuels, sustainable chemical feedstocks, vaccine manufacturing, and waste recycling, as well as discussing his journey to Imperial from the US.
In this episode, we speak to Lucy Barton, PhD student in the Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London. She tells us all about her work designing experimental and mathematical tools to study carbon capture technologies, as well as discussing her journey to Imperial from the west coast of Australia.
In this episode, we speak to Kostis Flevaris, a PhD student in Computational Biology in the Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London. He tells us all about his work on modelling glycobiology- the biology of sugars- and how he is applying this to predicting and understanding health and disease.
In this episode, we speak to Tanuj Karia, PhD student in Mathematical Optimisation in the Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London. He tells us all about his work on developing cutting-edge optimisation methods, how he is applying them, and why they are so important.
PhD student Sarat Alabidun discusses the future of battery technology and her work on understanding degradation mechanisms and solid electrolyte interphase(SEI) formation in sodium-ion batteries using mass spectrometry. She explains why we should be interested in her research and how sodium-ion batteries are vital for a more sustainable future.
PhD student Priyanka Kumar shares her research on the application of low-cost ionic liquids to the processing of waste products from the beer industry, to produce biomaterials and value-added products, including proteins. She also talks about her work at Lixea Co. ( www.lixea.co ), an Imperial start-up company, as an R&D scientist assisting in their process and product development.
PhD student Noah Sprent shares his research in synthetic biology, or engineering biology as it's more commonly being described. He's currently working on using methane as a feedstock for cells, which can then be converted into other products like enzymes for laundry powder, or used to process food.
Professor Nilay Shah OBE talks to us about how he likes using mathematical models to look at processes that support reducing carbon emissions from energy and industry, and processes that help us produce different kinds of therapeutics such as vaccines more effectively.
In this episode we speak to Miriam Sarkis, PhD student in Supply Chain Optimisation at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London. She tell us all about her work on supply chains and the tools she is developing to optimise them. You can follow Miriam on Twitter @SarkisMiriam.
In this episode we speak to Anouk L'Hermitte, PhD student in Chemical Engineering & Materials Science at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London. She tell us all about her work in materials science, where she looks at ways of reducing CO2 and pollution in the atmosphere using porous boron nitride. You can follow Anouk on Twitter @AnoukLHermitte. - Music: What's The Angle? by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
