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Alternative energy research has Ashley Jermusyk ’08 (Miller Place, N.Y.) seeing green.
The chemical engineering major will spend the school year studying different types of algae, which can be utilized as a renewable energy source. This takes up less space than traditional biodiesel crops, which are made of processed vegetable oils or animal fats for fuel.
She is also designing a method to easily remove the algae in order to harness energy without slowing down its production.
“There are numerous issues that hinder the large-scale production of such feedstock, such as spatial requirements for production, difficulties in maintaining an optimal growth process, and separation of the produced algae from the growth media,” explains Samuel Morton, assistant professor of chemical engineering, who is mentoring Jermusyk.
“Ashley will be performing an exhausting review of the literature and will identify and
address as many issues as possible,” adds Morton.
Biodiesel is biodegradable, non-toxic, and has significantly fewer emissions than petroleum-based diesel when burned.
“I chose this project because I am interested in alternative energy sources as well as biochemistry,” says Jermusyk adding that her research topic is a great combination of these two fields. “I am excited to see the outcome of this research because an alternative energy source is a very important research area right now.”
Morton asserts that through this independent study Jermusyk is refining already excellent research skills that will continue to benefit her after graduation.
“She is already an outstanding research engineer and this project will only increase her proficiency,” he says. “This project will demonstrate her flexibility and breadth of talent in solving problems outside her traditional educational experience.
“As for graduate school and her future career, this research will continue to differentiate her from other applicants and will position her as a highly desirable candidate for whatever path she chooses to follow.”
Jermusyk was excited to work with Morton again after completing related research with him previosuly, and praises Lafayette’s chemical engineering faculty.
“I find the chemical engineering department here to be challenging, but also very rewarding,” she says. “The professors are very excited about the material and I enjoy the small class size in the department. Lafayette provides the ideal environment where the curriculum is one of the best in the country, but is still able to be personal.”
Jermusyk, who has interned with a pharmaceutical company the past two summers, has been inspired to enter this field after she graduates.
Jermusyk serves as vice president for campus relations of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority and is the treasurer of Newman House, the Catholic student organization. She is also a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. In addition, Jermusyk plays on the club field hockey team and the string bass in Lafayette’s orchestra.
As a national leader in undergraduate research, Lafayette sends one of the largest contingents to the National Conference on Undergraduate Research each year. Forty students were accepted to present their research at this year’s conference.