جستجوی استاد راهنمای دانشگاهی

Petr Vozkaمشاهده پروفایل

استادیار

• Complex Chemical Mixtures Analysis
• Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography
• Microplastics Analysis
• +۷ مورد دیگر

Dr. Petr Vozka is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at California State University, Los Angeles, where he leads the Complex Chemical Composition Analysis Lab (C³AL). His research focuses on the characterization of complex chemical mixtures using state-of-the-art techniques, including two-dimensional gas chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry, with applications in environmental science, plastic waste conversion, and forensic analysis. Dr. Vozka's research interests span multiple critical areas including the analysis of complex chemical mixtures, microplastics in the environment, conversion of plastic waste into alternative fuels, environmental impact of oil spills, and forensic fingerprint analysis. His work on microplastics has gained significant attention, with media coverage highlighting his findings that microplastics can penetrate blood vessels and have been found in the brain. His research on the Huntington Beach oil spill investigated the long-term effects of oil contamination on beaches used for recreation. Dr. Vozka has organized significant academic events including the Multidimensional GC: From Petroleum to Beyond symposium at ACS Fall 2025 and serves on the organizing committee for the Multidimensional Chromatography Workshop (MDCW). His laboratory, C³AL, is equipped with advanced instrumentation including GC-TOFMS, GC×GC-FID, and GC×GC-TOFMS systems, supported by partnerships with LECO Corporation and Anton Paar. Recipient of LECO Corporation's Pegasus® BT GC-MS instrument through a competitive selection process Principal Investigator for research funded by Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Collaborator with researchers from Purdue University, UCT Prague, Delft University of Technology, and California State Polytechnic University Dr. Vozka actively mentors undergraduate and graduate students, with numerous students receiving research awards including CSU COAST Undergraduate Student Research Grants, NSF REU placements, and Dean's List honors. His students regularly present research at national conferences including ACS meetings and the Multidimensional Chromatography Workshop. The C³AL lab provides hands-on experience with cutting-edge analytical instrumentation, preparing students for careers in analytical chemistry and related fields. As part of the LECO-C³AL Facility partnership, Dr. Vozka's lab serves as a training ground for students in comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques. The facility aims to enhance knowledge and expand opportunities for students while equipping them with skills necessary to excel in graduate programs and analytical positions in industry and the military.

Leon Leffertsمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

• Heterogeneous Catalysis
• Liquid Phase Catalysis
• Plasma Catalysis
• +۱۵ مورد دیگر

Leon Lefferts is a Full Professor in Catalytic Processes and Materials at the University of Twente, affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Technology and the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology. He has held visiting professorships at Tokyo Institute of Technology (2005–2007) and Aalto University in Helsinki (2011 onward), where he was appointed Finnish Distinguished Professor (2011–2015). His research focuses on three interconnected themes: (1) heterogeneous catalysis in liquid phase , particularly for drinking water purification via hydrogenation of nitrate, nitrite, and bromate, with innovations such as micro-structured 'hairy foams' and membrane contactor reactors; (2) activation of stable molecules like alkanes using breakthrough techniques including plasma-catalysis, soft oxidants, and electrical fields, in collaboration with DIFFER and the University of Antwerp; and (3) catalytic upgrading of biomass , especially flash-pyrolysis oil, inspired by early work at Twente and leading to industrial application by KiOR. His group has pioneered in-situ IR spectroscopy for aqueous-phase catalytic studies under elevated conditions. Recent publications highlight a shift toward electrified and sustainable chemical processes, including membrane-assisted dehydrogenation of ethane and propane using green electricity, plasma-catalytic nitrogen fixation, and in-situ adsorption strategies to improve energy efficiency. These works reflect a strong trend toward integrating catalysis with renewable energy and plasma technologies for decarbonized chemical production. Finnish Distinguished Professor (2011–2015) Leon Lefferts has supervised 38 students and early-career researchers, contributing significantly to education and training in catalysis. His research has been supported by collaborations with major institutions including DIFFER, Aalto University, and the University of Antwerp. He has delivered numerous invited talks and participates actively in interdisciplinary workshops, especially in the emerging field of plasma-catalysis. He leads a research group at the forefront of catalytic innovation, with strong ties to industrial applications and sustainability goals. The team operates within the MESA+ Institute, leveraging advanced nanofabrication and characterization facilities for developing next-generation catalytic materials and reactor systems.

Calvin Mukarakateمشاهده پروفایل

پژوهشگر

• Bioenergy
• Catalysis
• Renewable Fuels
• +۳ مورد دیگر

Calvin Mukarakate serves as a Senior Scientist and Group Research Manager II in the Chemical Engineering department at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). His primary affiliation is with the Catalytic Carbon Transformation and Scale-Up Center under Bioenergy Research. His research focuses on catalytic upgrading of lignocellulosic biomass for renewable fuel and chemical production. Key interests include: production of transportation fuels from biomass pyrolysis vapors; selective conversion to polymer monomers; hydrogen production from waste streams; co-processing bio-oil with petroleum; catalyst development for flash pyrolysis; and advanced mass spectrometry analysis techniques. Analysis of his 106 publications (2008-2025) reveals dominant themes in catalytic fast pyrolysis (100% fingerprint), pyrolysis (81%), fast pyrolysis (36%), and hydrotreating (31%). His work bridges fundamental catalysis with process-scale engineering for sustainable fuel production. Mukarakate actively contributes to the Energy Materials Network as Steering Committee member of Chemical Catalysis for Bioenergy and serves on the Technical Advisory Committee for the Symposium on Thermal and Catalytic Sciences. His professional trajectory shows steady progression at NREL: Postdoctoral Research Associate (2008-2011), Thermochemical Conversion Scientist (2011-2015), and Senior Scientist (2015-present). He leads research in catalytic biomass conversion with emphasis on practical scale-up solutions for renewable fuel production.