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Tafadzwa Munezvenyu ’11 (Harare, Zimbabwe), a chemical engineering major, is working with Javad Tavakoli, professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering, as an EXCEL Scholar to convert waste materials into biofuels.
This summer, I have worked with Professor Tavakoli on a project to investigate the conversion of cellulosic materials to ethanol. It has been an exciting experience to look into one of the ways in which the world’s energy crises may be resolved.
Converting waste biomass is a promising means of providing sustainable energy – that is, renewable energy – in the most efficient way possible. There is much progress that has already been made in this field of energy production, but there is still much to be explored, discovered, and improved.
Working with Professor Tavakoli has been a tremendous learning experience for me. I have had the privilege to not only observe firsthand from him how research is conducted, but also to be a part of this process. My work has been broad and challenging and has included exploring scholarly publications, compiling and analyzing information and data, conducting laboratory experiments to test a specific technique for obtaining ethanol from everyday waste, and writing reports.
The opportunity to work closely with Professor Tavakoli as well as the invaluable research skills and experience I have gained from the opportunity are truly a reflection of Lafayette’s rich program for undergraduates. Through the EXCEL program, students can have a real taste of advancing research projects as well as the opportunity to learn from faculty close hand – an experience which otherwise might not be available. For me Lafayette has offered a top engineering program in a small-school environment and the opportunity for much growth and learning.
From this research, I am also learning more about the field as a whole as I begin to consider graduate school and employment options. Working with this prospect of transforming what was once considered waste material into fuel for the world’s growing energy needs makes chemical engineering all the more exciting for me.
I have enjoyed being involved in this far-reaching project. Sustainable energy is an important issue, especially today, and progress made in this field will serve both present and future generations.