J. Patrick Abulencia

J. Patrick Abulencia is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Manhattan University. He holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Manhattan College and a Ph.D. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from Johns Hopkins University. His research focuses on sustainability engineering pedagogy, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative solutions for environmental challenges.

Dr. Abulencia has taught a wide range of courses, including Introductory Thermodynamics, Process Calculations, and Chemical Reactor Design. His grants include projects funded by the EPA and NSF, such as developing solar-powered desalination systems and using video media to enhance thermodynamics education. Notable collaborations include work with the National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance on low-cost water purification solutions.

His research explores topics like energy consumption trends in NYC, biodiesel production, and sustainable water purification for underserved communities. He has authored over 30 peer-reviewed articles on engineering education, sustainability, and biomedical applications. His teaching methods incorporate student-generated videos and wikis to foster active learning and critical thinking.

Dr. Abulencia is affiliated with the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) and the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE). His work bridges academic innovation with real-world environmental challenges, emphasizing the role of engineering in addressing global sustainability goals.