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Caroline Szczepanski ’09 (Elizabethtown, Pa.) is exploring the use of particles called reverse micelles as natural catalysts to perform chemical reactions. The chemical engineering major is performing honors research under the guidance of Patricia Darcy, assistant professor of chemical engineering.
For my thesis, I am investigating a reverse micelle system. A reverse micelle consists of nanometer-sized droplets of oil or water encapsulated by a wetting agent which lowers the surface tension of the liquid and allows for easier spreading. Reverse micelles have many potential applications, but for this project, we are looking at their potential use in biocatalysis [the use of natural catalysts to perform chemical reactions on organic compounds].
Biocatalysis of organic solvents is of industrial importance for processes that operate in low-water conditions; however, enzymes have low activity and tend to break down rapidly in such environments. As a result, biocatalysis research has focused on the introduction of reverse micelles into the organic solvent to act as a host for enzymes. For my project, I am characterizing this reverse micelle system (studying its size, shape, and flow) to better understand how different factors will affect its ability and ease to act as a host for enzymes.
Prior to this project, I participated in the EXCEL Scholar Program with Professor Darcy, as well as a Summer Research Experience at the University of Colorado at Boulder. These opportunities exposed me to the process of conducting research and introduced me to most of the equipment and techniques I am using for my thesis. It was these experiences that motivated me to work on this project.
Together, Professor Darcy and I reviewed the work already completed and planned both experiments that strengthened previous results and provided new information about the system we are investigating. I have the unique opportunity of seeing the progression of this project at different stages through both my EXCEL and honors thesis work.
I know that the knowledge I gain from this project will aid me in the future as I pursue my Ph.D. in chemical engineering in graduate school. The decision to follow this path was influenced mostly by my research experiences at Lafayette.