Student Awards

How Hermann Klein-Hessling Barrientos built opportunity from adversity

Susan Glairon — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 11:30:05 +0000

How Hermann Klein-Hessling Barrientos built opportunity from adversity Susan Glairon Wed, 04/30/2025 - 05:30

Susan Glairon

Photo caption: Hermann Klein-Hessling Barrientos (right), Summit Shreshta (center) and Owen Sabolcik (left) make the sign of Ralphie's horns after taking the engineer’s oath at the College of Engineering 2025 Ring & Pin Graduation Ceremony.

Hermann Klein-Hessling Barrientos arrived at 91��ý alone in the summer of 2021, in the midst of the pandemic, not knowing anyone or what to expect in the U.S. Though born in Minnesota to a Mexican mother and German father, his parents left the country when he was just a toddler, and he grew up across Europe and graduated from high school in Singapore.

His 91��ý story is defined by his resilience—struggling with housing, medical and food insecurity while maintaining a rigorous course load and strong work ethic.

This spring, Barrientos will graduate with a BS in chemical engineering, and he received the College of Engineering and Applied Science’s Perseverance Award. But despite his hardships, he is also being recognized as the Outstanding Undergraduate of the College for his exceptional accomplishments in research, academia, community and global engagement.

"I succeeded despite my circumstances, not because of them,” Barrientos said. “I primarily attribute my accomplishments not to hard work or talent but luck, although I believe that luck is when preparation meets opportunity."

Hermann Klein-Hessling Barrientos stands by a Yosemite National Park sign during a weekend camping trip while participating in the Caltech Resnick Undergraduate Research Fellowship in summer 2023.

Barrientos’ six-page CV reads more like that of someone with a PhD than an undergraduate student. He has authored two journal papers, presented research at seven national conferences and symposiums and has been a researcher in the Weimer Research Group since he was a freshman.

His list of extracurricular activities is extensive, including a study abroad experience in Ireland and membership in 91��ý’s Engineering Honors Program. He has won three consecutive American Institute of Chemical Engineers poster competitions and earned numerous honors, including a Caltech Resnick Undergraduate Research Fellowship, a Discovery Learning Apprenticeship Undergraduate Research Fellowship and an Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program Summer Grant. He is the professional development coordinator of the Chemical Engineering Honor Society Omega Chi Epsilon and has been recognized as a BOLD Leadership Scholar.

“There’s always a way to figure out how to make it work, but you have to be comfortable putting yourself out there and asking for help,” Barrientos said. “It can be very hard.”

Laying the groundwork

After graduating from high school in Singapore, Barrientos spent a gap year in South Africa—first as an aerospace engineering intern, then in a materials science internship.

With strict pandemic restrictions in Asia, returning to his family in Singapore wasn’t an option, so his parents encouraged him to begin his college education immediately. 91��ý’s scholarships and the opportunity to engage in undergraduate research ultimately tipped the scale in CU’s favor for Barrientos.

Barrientos operates a glovebox in the Weimer Lab during his freshman year.

“I heard good things about 91��ý’s engineering program from my high school counselor in Singapore, especially about undergraduate research,” he said. “In other countries, you have to wait till you are a PhD student to get involved in research. I didn’t want to wait. Research teaches you more than learning from a textbook.”

That same sense of urgency extended to his classes. In 2020, during the university’s COVID-19 shutdown when everything was online, Hermann reached out to Teaching Associate Professor Paul Diduch to learn more about the Herbst Program for Engineering, Ethics & Society, and the two connected over Zoom.

“He was clearly interested,” Diduch said. “I was impressed with how much research Hermann had done in advance of our meeting, how keen his questions were and how serious and self-directed his intentions were.”

Two months before arriving in Boulder, Barrientos also contacted Teaching Professor Emeritus Leland Giovannelli to discuss course content, review materials and get a head start on the readings for Giovannelli’s upcoming class, “A Global State of Mind for Effective Engineering Practice.”

“He did not want to waste a moment in his education,” she said.

Barrientos also reached out early to Teaching Professor Angela Thieman-Dino of the Engineering Leadership Program, expressing anxiety about traveling to the U.S. alone, completing orientation and moving into his dorm without either parent present—while facing the difficult reality that he likely wouldn’t see them again for a long time due to COVID-19 restrictions. Thieman-Dino also said that Barrientos was eager for guidance around engaging in research. He joined her upper-division Engineering Leadership class as a first-year student to learn about conducting inquiry about complex leadership challenges while focusing his own project on engineering, sustainability and agriculture.

“I'm delighted to see how he has continued to engage in meaningful research throughout his time at CU,” Thieman-Dino said.

Navigating alone

Barrientos flew from Cape Town to Detroit—a less expensive destination than Denver—with little money and no idea how he’d get to Boulder. Undeterred, Barrientos drew on his creative resourcefulness, the support of the 91��ý community and the kindness of strangers.

Barrientos and two other students hold awards at the American Institute of Chemical Engineers 2023 National Conference in Orlando, Florida.

He couch-surfed with people he met along the way, eventually flying to Denver using funds from a Go Fund Me campaign a friend from Singapore launched on his behalf.

Barrientos had reached out to Jennifer Williams, executive director of Take Action Global (TAG)—a nonprofit organization focused on empowering students to take action for a cleaner environment—where he had previously volunteered. In response, Williams contacted Noah Geisel, micro-credentials program manager at 91��ý’s Office of the Registrar, to request assistance for Barrientos, who would be arriving in Boulder alone before the campus dormitories opened.

“I was happy to host him in my home as he began his 91��ý journey,” Geisel said. “I am now proud to see him demonstrating the results of what is possible when combining passion and talent with a world-class college education.”

After staying with Geisel, Barrientos joined a Stampede Leadership Camp for three days before his first semester started, which allowed him a place to sleep and three meals a day.

Barrientos experienced an unexpected obstacle his second semester, as a surge in COVID-19 cases and the Marshall Fire—which destroyed approximately 1,000 structures on Dec. 30, 2021—delayed move-in for the campus dormitories. With nowhere to live, Barrientos petitioned to serve as a resident assistant (RA) in Williams Village, where the university was housing those affected by the fire. His application was accepted, and he was able to RA for two weeks there before starting his official RA position in Andrews Hall the spring semester of his freshman year. But he soon faced the 25-hour weekly work limit for students and had to choose between being an RA or pursuing research. He chose research.

After his first year in the 91��ý dormitories, Barrientos tried to find a place to rent to lower expenses; finding housing was a challenge. Landlords refused to rent to him because his parents, who weren’t U.S. citizens, couldn’t cosign his lease. Without a credit score tied to his parents and with no Social Security history, he was often mistaken for—or profiled as—undocumented even though he was an American citizen, he said.

Barrientos and another student stand in front of a poster at the Caltech Final Summer Research Symposium in 2023.

In order to rent, Barrientos generally needed a one-month security deposit plus the first month's rent. CU staff were limited in how they could help, and local organizations that help low-income individuals told him he was a low priority as they prioritized families with small children.

He eventually found someone willing to rent an apartment to him the summer after his freshman year.

Throughout his undergraduate career, Barrientos consistently held at least one job, he said. At his busiest, he juggled four simultaneously. Each summer he secured internships to earn enough to cover his fall tuition and rent. He established a high credit score and by legally declaring his scholarships as income, qualified for leases without needing a co-signer.

Diduch said that when Barrientos was in his class, he frequently checked in with him.

“In addition to a high course load, he was also working,” Diduch said. “He was sleep deprived and stressed out. Despite it all, he always managed to get his work done, perform to a high level, and most importantly, have something thoughtful to say in class.

“I've always known Hermann to be remarkably driven and self-directed. He constantly makes things happen for himself and is incredibly resourceful. I'm not sure I've encountered a harder working student, at least in terms of sheer ability to open doors, manufacture opportunities and produce results.”

New challenges

Barrientos faced continued financial issues. Not graduating from a U.S. high school automatically disqualified him from roughly 50 percent of available scholarships, he said. He was also unable to petition for in-state tuition.

His sophomore year was especially difficult. After losing several close friends and facing other personal challenges, he began to struggle with mental health issues and considered taking an extended leave of absence from 91��ý or transferring to a university in the Netherlands.

“A lot of bad things happened all at once, and I had to work really hard to get out of that rut, which I did, he said. “I wanted my family to know that I tried my best.

“My struggles highlighted the importance of men's mental health to me, and I decided to be open about my struggles with suicide ideation,” he said. “I'd like to extend my gratitude to Assistant Teaching Professors Jonathan Kish and Osita Onyejekwe and to Laura Thompson, a licensed professional counselor, for being there when I needed someone to talk to.”

Barrientos stands in front of the Dow Chemical Complex in Freeport, Texas, during his summer 2024 internship with Dow.

He’s grateful to 91��ý’s Buff Pantry at the Basic Needs Center for providing food when he couldn’t afford groceries or access banking services—even before his first semester began. He’s also thankful to Giovannelli, who noticed during a Zoom call that he needed basic necessities, and along with Rebecca Komarek, assistant director of Idea Forge, brought him sheets, blankets and other essentials. He’s especially appreciative of Professor Alan Weimer, who welcomed him as a freshman undergraduate researcher and supported him throughout all four years. And finally, he’s grateful for all the donors “who took the risk of investing in my success.”

“If I had financial security from the get-go, it would have been different,” Barrientos said. “Not having it tainted a lot of my experiences. I always worried about money. Several times I thought I would have to drop out because I couldn’t pay tuition, or I worried I would lose all my scholarships and then get kicked out of the college.”

But that never happened.

As his education progressed, Barrientos’ financial pressure eased. He received a combination of private scholarships and support from donors who invested in his success, and by his junior year, his tuition was fully covered. The summer after his junior year he paid down nearly $20,000 in student loans by interning at Dow Chemical in Freeport, Texas.

His current research, part of an interdisciplinary NASA project, focuses on enhancing metals with atomic layer deposition to improve properties like strength and the ability to withstand higher temperatures—both crucial for manufacturing spacecraft components. The improvements also make it easier to produce customized parts with complex geometries at lower costs and on a larger scale, he said.

After graduation, Barrientos plans to relocate to Ohio to begin a refining engineering role within the operations research department in a Fortune 25 company.

Barrientos says his immediate goal is to support his parents' retirement. Once they are financially secure, he intends to return to academia to pursue a graduate degree in engineering.

“He is eager to make his mark on the world,” Giovannelli said. “With his tremendous creativity, intelligence and appetite for hard work, he will surely do so.”

Hermann Klein-Hessling Barrientos faced challenges with housing, medical and food insecurity, yet overcame them to earn the College of Engineering and Applied Science Perseverance Award as well as the college’s Outstanding Undergraduate Award.

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Congratulations to our 2025 college undergraduate awardees!

Susan Glairon — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 18:46:22 +0000

Congratulations to our 2025 college undergraduate awardees! Susan Glairon Fri, 04/25/2025 - 12:46

Congratulations to our eight chemical and biological engineering undergraduate students who won 12 awards from the College of Engineering and Applied Science.

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Summit Shrestha

Susan Glairon — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 20:12:16 +0000

Summit Shrestha Susan Glairon Tue, 04/22/2025 - 14:12

Major

Chemical Engineering

Awards

College of Engineering and Applied Science Academic Engagement Award

College of Engineering and Applied Science Research Award

Post-graduation plans

Pursue a PhD in chemical engineering at UC Berkeley

Associated Lab

PI: Gallogly Professor Timothy White
Responsive and Programmable Materials Group

Tell me about your research

Liquid crystal elastomers are a special class of polymer which are made up of rigid backbones and flexible tails and exhibit both liquid and crystalline properties. These materials can transition from an ordered state to a disordered state when heat or voltage is applied. My work aims to elucidate how the size increase of these polymer changes the way this ordered to disordered transition occurs.

How could your research make a difference in everyday life?

Because this research provides a more fundamental understanding of how these novel materials behave, there are broad applications in soft robotics and artificial muscles as liquid crystal actuators. There are also potential applications in the field of optics.

What keeps you busy outside of research?

My goal was to serve as a course assistant for as many classes as possible. I found teaching and engaging with students incredibly rewarding. I especially enjoyed assisting with thermodynamics, thanks to the many teaching opportunities Dr. Kōnane Bay provided. One of my favorite experiences was giving review lectures before exams.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am most proud of my admission to UC Berkeley. From the start of the graduate school application process, Berkeley was my top choice because of its strong program and research fit—but I knew it would be incredibly competitive. Getting that acceptance letter was euphoric, knowing all the work I had put in had paid off.

What is your biggest piece of advice for future engineering buffs?

Don't be afraid to ask questions. The material that you are learning is difficult and not understanding it is only natural. Asking for help is the fastest way to grow.

What will you carry forth?

I'll carry forward the new connections I have made at CU. The support of friends and faculty has been instrumental in shaping who I am and what I have accomplished. I am thoroughly grateful for the people I've met and will continue to stay in touch with them.

Meet more of our awardees

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Anna Broerman

Susan Glairon — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 14:46:59 +0000

Anna Broerman Susan Glairon Tue, 04/22/2025 - 08:46

Major

Chemical and Biological Engineering

Awards

College of Engineering and Applied Science Research Award

College of Engineering and Applied Science Academic Engagement Award

Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering Outstanding Course Assistant Award (CBEN)

Post-graduation plans

Pursue a PhD in chemical engineering at the University of Santa Barbara

Associated Lab

Assistant Professor Kayla Sprenger
RDI Research Group

Tell me about your research

I study how herpes simplex virus attaches to human cells prior to infection by modeling the interaction between a viral protein called glycoprotein D, and a sugar found on the cell surface. To do this, I use computer simulations to approximate how glycoprotein D responds to this binding interaction. This research will potentially elucidate the mechanism behind the receptor binding interaction.

How could your research make a difference in everyday life?

Herpes is extremely common, yet there is no current licensed vaccine. My work may contribute to identifying structural changes in viral proteins that are important for infection, which might be useful in future vaccine development.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of the funding and recognition I’ve received to support and share my research. I’ve secured multiple grants and participated in programs such as the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), CHER4U, Young Scholars Summer Research Program (YSSRP) and the Discovery Learning Apprenticeship, through which I have been able to fund my molecular dynamics project in Dr. Sprenger’s lab. I have also received travel funding to present at the American Institute of Chemical Engineers twice, once for my REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) project and once for my current work. Applying for these grants has taught me how to advocate for my research, and it has been delightful to be recognized for my work.

What was your biggest challenge during your time at 91��ý?

My biggest challenge arose from my research. When I joined Dr. Sprenger’s lab in my junior year, my graduate student mentor was in her first year at CU. This meant I had to establish a project from scratch. The initial lack of progress was disheartening, but it provided valuable insight into the realities of graduate-level research, which isn't always fast-paced. Through this process I realized that it is much more difficult to develop a project that is impactful and grounded in integrity than it is to solve the problem itself.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I spend most of my free time backpacking, climbing and cooking. I thru-hiked the Colorado Trail last summer, have plans for the Pacific Crest Trail this summer and have climbed most of Colorado's 14ers.

What is your biggest piece of advice for future engineering buffs?

I would not have been able to engage so deeply in this community without my mentors' encouragement. There are students and faculty in this department that want to contribute to the scientific community, and by extension, invest in your success. My advice is to seek them out, ask questions and approach every interaction with humility and curiosity. If you do, you will find that this community has much to offer and that you have something valuable to contribute to it as well.

Meet more of our awardees

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Arianna McCarty lands prestigious Goldwater Scholarship

Susan Glairon — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 20:24:05 +0000

Arianna McCarty lands prestigious Goldwater Scholarship Susan Glairon Thu, 04/17/2025 - 14:24

Arianna McCarty, a chemical and biological engineering student, received a prestigious Goldwater Scholarship for her research on how Prevotella bacteria may help reduce infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, a major cause of pneumonia.

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Congratulations to our 2025 ChBE department undergraduate awardees!

Susan Glairon — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 16:56:13 +0000

Congratulations to our 2025 ChBE department undergraduate awardees! Susan Glairon Wed, 04/16/2025 - 10:56

The Chemical and Biological Engineering Department awards recognize students in the department who have excelled in one or more areas. Winners are selected by the department’s Undergraduate Awards Committee.

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Tanvi Patil

Susan Glairon — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 22:00:52 +0000

Tanvi Patil Susan Glairon Tue, 04/15/2025 - 16:00

Major

Chemical and Biological Engineering

Awards

College of Engineering and Applied Science Research Award

Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering Distinguished Peer Mentor Award

Post-graduation plans

Gain research experience in CRISPR-based therapeutics at Editas Medicine; start a PhD in chemical engineering within the next two years.

Associated Lab

Assistant Professor Laurel Hind
Immunoengineering Lab.

Tell me about your research

Neutrophils are a type of innate white blood cell that serve as the body's first responders to infection and inflammation. Many diseases affecting tissue mechanics are often accompanied with neutrophil dysregulation, yet this connection remains understudied.

My research explores how changes in tissue mechanics and composition affect the neutrophil response using immunofluorescence assays and microfluidic devices. The ultimate goal of our lab is to deepen understanding of the neutrophil response and uncover potential characteristics that could lead to neutrophil-based therapeutics.

How could your research make a difference in everyday life?

One way my research could have an impact is by treating inflammation caused by changes in tissue mechanics. For example, fibrosis is a disease marked by excessive accumulation of fibrous tissue with current treatments mainly target fibroblasts through anti-fibrotic medications. However, studies show that neutrophils also play a role in recruiting fibroblasts; so, our research on neutrophil-mechanic interactions can lead to the innovation of more effective therapies that target both neutrophils and fibroblasts. Broadly, our research can also support the development of better immunotherapies, which are becoming increasingly common for treating a variety of diseases.

What keeps you busy outside of research?

I have been a course assistant for several core department courses. During my first two years, I was also a notes scribe through 91��ý's disability services program. Professionally, I had the opportunity to work part-time at a biotech company learning about translational research in the gene-therapy space. Outside of academics, I enjoy photography, reading and paddleboarding. I have also recently taken an interest in wheel throwing pottery!

What is your favorite 91��ý memory?

My research experiences have been invaluable, both professionally and personally. They’ve not only sharpened my communication skills and fueled my curiosity, but also revealed the striking parallels between cellular mechanisms and the emotional fabric of life. I'm constantly amazed by the thought that all our actions and emotions stem from molecules simply bumping into each other—yet it’s that very molecular chaos that gives rise to our ability to ask, “why?”

I also greatly enjoyed living in the dorms my freshman year. Coming from a culturally and academically homogenous high school, I enjoyed the diversity living in the dorms offered; it enabled me to expand my mindset.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Academically, I am most proud of presenting and winning an award at AIChE's 2024 Annual Student Meeting for my investigation of the neutrophil response in varying tissue environments. The critical thinking and experimental design skills I gained from this, along with my mentors' support and encouragement, also helped me receive Honorable Mention for the 2025 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program.

Personally, I am most proud of the photography skills I have developed over the years. I have finally mastered photographing portraits after spending years exclusively shooting landscapes and nature.

What is your biggest piece of advice for future engineering buffs?

Explore anything and everything! Spend time outside on nice days, get involved in campus activities and embrace life at CU beyond the classroom. Regardless of your interests, try something new, academically or otherwise, to make the most out of college. Worst case, you'll discover something you don't like!

Meet more of our awardees

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91��ý PhD student takes Materials Research Society's top graduate prize

Susan Glairon — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 22:13:19 +0000

91��ý PhD student takes Materials Research Society's top graduate prize Susan Glairon Mon, 01/13/2025 - 15:13

Susan Glairon

Luis Kitsu Iglesias, a fifth-year PhD candidate in Professor Mike Toney’s lab, received the prestigious gold award—the highest graduate student honor—at the 2024 Fall Meeting of the Materials Research Society (MRS) for his exceptional battery research. The renowned international conference brings together experts from around the globe to showcase and discuss the latest advancements in materials science.

Initially selected as a finalist for the MRS Graduate Student Award, Kitsu Iglesias of the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, received the award after presenting his sodium-ion battery research at the MRS fall meeting in Boston on Dec. 3.

“This award marks a personal milestone and highlights the significance of advancing sustainable battery technologies,” Iglesias said. “It underscores the urgency of addressing challenges like energy, equity and environmental responsibility through research.”

Iglesias’s research focuses on advancing sodium-ion batteries as a sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries, addressing challenges like safety, cost, limited lithium resources and ethical concerns around lithium extraction. He studies sodium storage in hard carbon anodes, a key material for these batteries, using advanced X-ray techniques to observe how the structure and behavior of hard carbon change during charging and discharging.

By utilizing abundant and environmentally friendly sodium resources, these batteries offer a competitive solution for large-scale grid energy storage.

“My work provides the foundation for designing sodium-ion batteries with higher capacity, improved efficiency and greater durability,” Iglesias said. “These advancements pave the way for more accessible renewable energy storage, enabling the widespread adoption of clean energy technologies and contributing to a more sustainable and resilient energy future.”

Iglesias received his BS in chemical engineering from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia. In his third year, he received a fellowship to study in Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden. His fourth year he received another fellowship to study at 91��ý.

In May, Iglesias will begin a postdoctoral research position at ETH Zurich, where he will continue exploring energy storage technologies.

“My goal is to lead projects that bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and societal needs, ensuring that advancements in green technologies benefit all sectors of society,” he said. “Being recognized by the Materials Research Society inspires me to keep exploring innovative energy storage solutions and contributing meaningfully to the global scientific community.”

Luis Kitsu Iglesias, a chemical and biological engineering PhD candidate, earned the 2024 Materials Research Society Gold Award for his innovative research on sustainable sodium-ion batteries.

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CHBE students shine with prestigious awards and honors

Susan Glairon — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 18:55:49 +0000

CHBE students shine with prestigious awards and honors Susan Glairon Mon, 11/25/2024 - 11:55

Emma Aldrich, a member of the Sprenger Group, received a Division 15 Oral Presentation Award at the 2024 American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Annual Meeting, held Oct. 27-31 in San Diego. The award included a $600 prize.

Tom Chaney of the Toney Group has been selected for the American Chemical Society's Excellence in Graduate Polymer Research Symposium and invited to present in the oral session at the 2025 Spring ACS Meeting in San Diego on March 24 and 25.

Claire Ely's proposal, ChemECar, was approved for full funding ($3,000) by the Engineering Excellence Fund. Ely is with the Toney Group.

Delaney McNally, an undergraduate student in the Anseth Lab, earned first place in the Food, Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology VIII category of the national poster competition at the 2024 American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) annual meeting, held Oct. 28-31 in San Diego.

Tanvi Pati, an undergraduate student in the Hind Lab, earned first place in the Food, Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology category of the national poster competition at the 2024 American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) annual meeting, held Oct. 28-31 in San Diego.

Paula Pranda, a member of the White and Hayward labs, was selected as a recipient of the 2025 Peebles Award for Graduate Student Research in Adhesion Science. The award provides partial support for attendance at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Adhesion Society.

Nathanael Ramos, a member of the Holewinski and Medlin Groups, has been awarded a Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) fellowship. Ramos will begin his research at Pacific Northwest National Lab in December.

Nidhi Thite of the Randolph group was recognized by the Journal of Pharmaceutical Science as an "Outstanding Early Career Scientist.”

A roundup of chemical and biological engineering students who won prestigious awards and honors this semester.

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Weimer Research Group wins three AIChE national poster awards

Susan Glairon — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 21:28:53 +0000

Weimer Research Group wins three AIChE national poster awards Susan Glairon Fri, 11/08/2024 - 14:28

Susan Glairon

Professor Al Weimer

Three undergraduate researchers from Professor Al Weimer’s team received national poster awards at the 2024 American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) annual meeting, held Oct. 28-31 in San Diego.

Hermann Klein-Hessling Barrientos, a chemical engineering senior, and Jessica Connell, a chemical engineering junior, each took home first-place, Barrientos in the "Catalysis and Reaction" category and Connell in "Materials Engineering and Science." Nathan Smith, a chemical engineering senior, took home third place in the "Separations" category.

The achievement places them among top undergraduate researchers in chemical engineering, selected from over 400 presenters and judged by approximately 100 professionals.

"Through focused team meetings, our students are encouraged to delve into the 'why' questions that underlie their research—a critical step for effectively communicating their work and standing out in a competitive setting," said Weimer, a Melvin E. and Virginia M. Clark professor of chemical and biological engineering.

Students are also coached to deliver concise, one-minute presentations, allowing them to present confidently and capture the interest of their audience, he said. PhD mentors assist the undergraduates with the development of their posters, offering support with presentation techniques and strategies to maximize their impact.

Additionally, attending the AIChE meeting also allows undergraduate students to network with professionals and peers, often leading to job offers or graduate school opportunities.

"This exposure opens doors for future career paths," he said.

Over the past 25 years, Weimer has mentored roughly 125 undergraduate students through independent study and internships, with more than 25 of them going on to earn PhDs, MDs or other professional degrees. Each year, he supports undergraduate participation in the AIChE annual meeting with assistance from the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) or the Discovery Learning Apprenticeship Program (DLA).

Weimer's research spans diverse areas of engineering, focusing on particle surface modification by atomic layer deposition and high-temperature chemical reaction engineering using concentrated sunlight.

Catalysis and Reaction

First Place: Hermann Klein-Hessling Barrientos, senior, chemical engineering

Title: “Optimizing Tungsten Powder Fluidization: Applications for Atomic Layer Deposition"

PhD student mentor: Davis Conklin

Materials Engineering and Sciences

First Place: Jessica Connell, junior, chemical engineering

Title: “Iron-aluminate Reticulated Porous Ceramic Fabrication for use in Solar Thermochemistry”

PhD student mentor: Linnea Helenius

Separations

Third Place: Nathan Smith, senior, chemical engineering

Title: “Additive Manufacturing Plant-derived Char Meshes for Point-source CO2 Capture”

PhD student mentor: Katarina Odak

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