Dr. H. Bryan Lanterman, a prominent alumnus of our Research Group, visited the Chemtech Technology Center in Athens, Ohio in October 2025. We had a wonderful time sharing good memories of prior co-working experiences and exchanged valuable opinions on diverse topics. Drs. Bahareh Baheri, ThiThuHa Phan, and Andrew Kasick enjoyed the get-together.
Andrew Kasick, an alumnus of SEAM Lab, has completed all the requirements for a Ph.D. degree from Ohio University. Congratulations, Andy! Dr. Kasick is currently employed with ChemTech Innovators LLC. We are excited.
In 2024, CTI has acquired Thermo’s Trace 1610 Gas Chromatography system that has both TCD and FID detectors equipped with. This system is an upgraded system from Trace 1310, which is currently being used in the lab.
Amy Lindenberger has successfully completed her Ph.D. degree requirements. Congratulations, Dr. Lindenberger! A well-deserved honor!
Dr. Bahareh Baheri, a recent member of the KB’s alumni group, published a research article based on her PhD work in the Journal of Applied Polymer Science. The title of the paper is “Characterization of Linear Low-Density Polyethylene and Halloysite Nanotube (LLDPE/HNT) Composites Based on Two-roll Calendering Melt Fabrication”. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Vol. 140, No. 5, e53259, February 2023. This paper has been receiving overwhelming feedback from the worldwide research community as an affordable nanotechnology work. Congratulations, Bahar! KB, a coauthor, is listed as an industry person with Chemtech Innovators LLC.
A quarterly CTI’s project review meeting was held at the Company’s R&D Center in Athens, Ohio, on January 10-14, 2023. Luckily, the weather was very good and cooperative. The four-day event was constructive and productive. All sponsors of the CTI’s attended the meeting. Mr. Tackhwan Kim and Mr. Tackjin Kim as new generation leaders also attended.
In October and November 2022, Dr. Jared Bouquet (2012 PhD, Missouri S&T), a prominent alumnus of this Group, has been reconnected with KB. Dr. Bouquet is currently employed by ATSI, Inc. and happily married with 2 children, living in St. Louis, MO. Dr. Bouquet was the laboratory relocation coordinator and R&D Manager for KB’s lab from Missouri to Ohio in 2011, while he was a full-time graduate student. The current CTI’s R&D Center and its facility is based on his invaluable contributions.
Mr. Frank Kocjancic, Jr., KB’s dear friend and officemate in his Graduate School time recently sent him a very nice letter. Frank and KB are now reconnected via email and look forward to meeting in the near future. Frank is a very prominent alumnus of Case Western Reserve University and also a fellow disciple of Prof. John C. Angus‘.
Chairman Yernho Kim of Samwha Solutions visited the CTI R&D Center (Athens, OH) for August 15-19, 2022. On-going project reviews, strategic planning, and new exploratory technology development topics were covered in-depth. Discussions were very productive and valuable suggestions were received. During his visit, the company also had a celebration for the 2nd anniversary of the LLC with the current research team members. The CTI currently has 4 engineering PhD’s and 1 J.D. as its workforce.
Mr. Renato Salgado Perez, an OU alumnus (2016), visited the CTI R&D Center on June14, 2022. Renato, who was one of the most enthusiastic and inquisitive students, is now engaged in very creative technological ventures of his own. He made a special one-day trip to Athens from Washington, D.C. Renato and KB shared pleasant memories of the past years and exchanged numerous technical ideas and thoughts. Thank you, Renato!
Chairman Albert Lee (Baltimore, MD) and President Stephen Lee (Los Angeles, CA), sponsors of CTI”s major projects, visited the Athens R&D Center on May 20-21, 2022. A project review meeting and technological discussions were conducted in this two-day event. A number of exciting ideas have been exchanged and shared.
Dr. Sunil Kesavan of Akebono USA visited the Athens R&D Center on April 23-24, 2022. Dr. Kesavan had frequently visited KB in Akron, OH, but this was his first time in Athens, OH. It was a wonderful get-together weekend, comparing missing notes and sharing beautiful memories and encounters of the past years.
KB had a great visit and wonderful meeting with Dr. Mahin Shahlari and Dr. Lujie Ye on his business trip to Minnesota/St. Paul/Circle Pines, MN for April 20-22, 2022. KB had pleasant time with the two of the very prominent members of his Group.
Chairman Yernho Kim of Samwha Solutions visited the Athens R&D Center on March 14-16, 2022. A regularly scheduled project review meeting was held during his visit, which included the progress reporting, discussion on the future plans and their timelines, and the relevant market trend. All the sessions were attended by the entire CTI’s R&D staff and were very informative and inspiring.
Prof. Byung-Cheol Kim, Penn State University, Erie, visited the Chemtech Innovators’ R&D Center on December 14, 2021. Dr. Kim and KB enjoyed wonderful time together, sharing views on the future educational and technological world.
Ms. Bahareh Baheri successfully defended her Ph.D. dissertation on December 13, 2021. She has endured and overcome an unprecedentedly great deal of nonscientific setbacks/hardship/difficulties during her degree work. KB deeply appreciates what she has done devotedly for the Group and the Lab. Following the better university’s tradition and practice, we may call her “Dr. Baheri” from now on. Congratulations, Dr. Baheri! Induction to the Lee’s Group Alumni is the only thing KB can do for her at the moment.
An honored guest, Chairman Yernho Kim of Samwha Solutions, visited the Chemtech Innovators Lab in Athens, OH on November 16-19, 2021. Chairman Kim and KB exchanged and shared innovative ideas for environmentally clean utilization of fossil resources and carbon capture & storage in several days of the inspirational sessions. Thank you, Chairman Kim!
Prof. and Mrs. Seung Jong Lee of Seoul National University visited the Chemtech Innovators’ Lab in Athens, Ohio on July 21, 2021. Prof. S.J. Lee and KB shared fond memories of their career-long friendship of 64 years (since the 1st-grade time) and exchanged views of global R&D trends in the field of classical Chemical Engineering.
Professor Jonathan Wenzel visited the Chemtech Innovators Lab in Athens, OH in September 2021. Dr. Wenzel, a PhD graduate of Mizzou, and KB shared a quality time, comparing life notes of recent years.
Dr. and Mrs. Bryan Lanterman visited KB in Akron, Ohio on July 16, 2021. Fond memories, recent updates, and views of ethical values of professional life were shared. It was a wonderful homecoming get-together for both of us.
Dr. Olivia Lanier joined the Department of Biomedical Engineering of the University of Texas at Austin in June 2021 with a highly incentive-laden 3-year position as Provost’s Early Career Fellow. She is on her stellar career path in route to becoming a professor at the renowned institution. Dr. Lanier’s primary mentor is Dr. Nicholas Peppas (Professor and Cockrell Family Regents Chair in Engineering #6) and her clinical mentor is Dr. Leah Harris (Chief of Pediatrics). Congratulations, Dr. Lanier!
An Inaugural Meeting of the Advisors and Stakeholders of Chemtech Innovators was held at the Chemtech Innovators’ Lab in Athens, OH on May 27-29, 2021.
Congratulations to Prof. Kimberly H. Henthorn!
Dr. Kimberly Henthorn, a long-term friend and highly regarded collaborator of the Group, will be leading her academic department as the Department Chair of Chemical Engineering, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, effective July 1, 2021. The news article can be found: https://www.rose-hulman.edu/news/2021/two-academic-departments-getting-new-leadership.html. We all know how great a professor she is. Best wishes to Dr. Henthorn for a successful leadership career!
KB finally retired on May 31, 2020 after 40 years of academic teaching and research. What a Relief! No significant accomplishments, but plenty of fond memories of former student colleagues, now as his close friends. KB stays in the SAME Lab, but NOT SEAM LAB.
Dr. Alexandria Niemoeller has accepted a new position as Senior Research Scientist, Bioproduct Analytical Technologies, Eli Lilly and Company, effective January 2021. She had worked for TA Instrument for 8 years at a managerial position. Dr. Niemoeller is one of our distinguished group alumni who had worked with KB at 3 institutions, viz., the University of Missouri (MU), Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T, her PhD institution), and Ohio University (as Visiting Scholar). Congratulations, Dr. Niemoeller!
Dr. Olivia Lanier, who was a former student researcher at the SEAM Lab, received her Ph.D. degree from University of Florida in 2019. In 2020, she was awarded a prestigious Ford Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship as one of her numerous accolades. Dr. Lanier is doing her postdoctoral research at Colorado School of Mines. Congratulations to Dr. Olivia Lanier!
Dr. Lujie Ye received her Ph.D. degree from Ohio University. Her dissertation topic was on a novel catalyst reformulation for enhanced productivity from methanol synthesis under CO2-rich syngas conditions. Dr, Ye accepted a full-time employment with NTIC in early 2019. Congratulations to Dr. Lujie Ye!
Prominent group alumni have visited the Lab or Akron, Ohio over the years and spent wonderful time together with KB and his team. They are Dr. Sunil Kesavan, Dr. Bryan Lanterman, Dr. Linda Zhang, Dr. Mahin Shahlari, Dr. Alexandria Niemoeller, Dr. Shahid Bashir, Dr. Jonathan Wenzel, Ms. Liou Qiu, Dr. Olivia Lanier, and Dr. Ramesh Rengarajan. Dr. J. David Tucker promised to visit the lab twice and you know that KB will be waiting. Thank you all!
KB delivered the 3rd Annual Dongjin-SNU International Distinguished Lectureship Award Reception Speech, “One Career in Multiple Paths: A Lessons-learned Approach”, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea, on December 8, 2017. His life-long friend, Prof. Seung Jong Lee introduced KB to the audience. It was a truly memorable homecoming visit for KB.
Dr. Sunil Kesavan made a very special home coming visit to Akron, Ohio and had a special luncheon meeting with KB at House of Hunan, Fairlawn, OH, the restaurant where KB’s group used to hang out. Dr. Kesavan gave KB an insightful advice for his 2nd career as an industrial researcher.
Dr. Lee delivered Plenary Lecture #1 at the World Conference of Scientists and Engineers (WCSE) held at COEX, Seoul, Korea on July 13, 2016. This world conference had 1300+ science and engineering leaders invited from the entire world. This world conference was specially organized as a historical event in order to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Korea’s Science and Engineering as well as the country’s 600+ science and technology societies. Two plenary lectures included Dr. Lee’s as part of opening ceremony and Dr. Rolf Dieter Heuer (President of German Physical Society) as Plenary Lecturer #2 prior to the Evening Reception. Three Nobel laureates participated in the Science Talk Concert as part of its main program.
Dr. Bryan Lanterman arranged a major equipment donation to KB’s Lab through his employer. Specialty alloy chemical reactors (4-liter capacity), one tubular and one mixed rector type. Dr. Lanterman has had the longest tenure with the KB’s group. He knows the exact contents of every drawer and every box in the lab. Thank you, Dr. Lanterman!
Dr. Sunil Kesavan arranged a major equipment donation to KB’s Lab through his employer. A movable fume hood and a Karl-Fischer Titration Unit were included in this donation. As a stand-alone lab, a fume hood is very useful. Thank you, Dr. Kesavan!
Congratulations to Dr. Byung Gwon Lee!
Dr. Byung Gwon Lee, an eminent alumnus of our Group, was appointed as President, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), in March 2014. The KIST is the Korea’s flagship national laboratory. Dr. Lee received his Ph.D. in 1989 from the University of Akron.
Dr. Byung Gwon Lee had served two terms of presidency of the KIST (2014 – 2020) and under his leadership the KIST has been established as one of the finest world-class research institutions. Congratulations to Dr. B.G. Lee!
Engineers from the Ohio Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) visit SEAM Lab
SEAM Lab provided a special grand tour for the eminent enginers of the Ohio Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) on June 14. Two teams of 78 guests visited the lab. They were attending their Semi-Annual Conference in Athens, Ohio.
KB’s group welcomes visiting scholar from the Korean RIST
Dr. Jong Kwan Lee of the Research Institute of Science and Technology has joined the SEAM Lab as a visiting scholar. Dr. Lee will be with the group till January 2014. Welcome, Dr. Lee!
Dr. Lee Interviewed by ChemViews Magazine
An interview with KB, entitled “Sunggyu Lee on the Future of Energy Technology” is featured on the Chemistry Views website. The full text of the interview can be read here.
Lee Group awarded two U.S. Patents in 2012
Dr. Lee and his associates were awarded two U.S. Patents in 2012.
- S. Lee, P. Roberts, “Chlorine dioxide gel and associated methods,” U.S. Patent No. 8,088,417, Issued January 3, 2012.
- S. Lee, P. Roberts, “Chlorine dioxide gel and associated methods,” U.S. Patent No. 8,202,548, Issued June 19, 2012
Dr. Lee’s Biofuels book earns bestseller status
KB’s book, Biofuels and Bioenergy: Processes and Technologies, was a CRC Press Chemistry Online Bestseller in December of 2012.
KB and group members featured in Ingenuity Magazine
The 2012 edition of Ingenuity featured two stories regarding Dr. Lee’s group. In “A Whole New World,” Barbi Wheelden discusses her trip to Korea and the cultural and educational experiences she enjoyed there. In “Illustrious Investigator, Father Figure,” KB’s methods of research and advising are discussed. KB, Amber Tupper and Lexie Niemoeller are all featured in this article. The latter was the magazine’s featured cover story.
Dr. Lee’s Group Presented Papers at 2012 National AIChE meeting
KB’s research group traveled to Pittsburgh to attend the 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Annual Meeting. Lee’s group members’ presentations of five papers and one poster at the meeting were very well received. Topics ranged from supercritical fluid reactions to biodegradable polymer development. The group had the opportunity to visit with Wei Zhang, an alumnus of our group, at the AIChE meeting, and enjoyed a delicious Korean meal together!
Dr. Rengarajan Ramesh visited the SEAM Lab
Dr. Rengarajan Ramesh, a distinguished alumnus of the University of Akron and our group, visited the SEAM lab in the fall of 2012. Dr. Rengarajan took time off from his busy schedule to catch up with KB and meet new members of the group.
Dr. Alexandria (Lexie) Niemoeller received her Ph.D. degree
Dr. Niemoeller defended her dissertation and received her Ph.D. in the summer of 2012. Lexie received great praise from peers for her excellent defense presentation and is now employed as an Application Specialist by TA Instruments. Dr. Niemoeller was a principal researcher in KB’s Group at three different universities, viz., University of Missouri, Missouri University of Science and Technology, and Ohio University. Thank you and Congratulations, Dr. Lexie Niemoeller!
Dr. H. Bryan Lanterman visited the SEAM Lab
Dr. Bryan Lanterman of DRS Technologies visited the SEAM Lab in the summer of 2012. Dr. Lanterman is an alumnus of the University of Akron and our research group and has remained very close to our group for many years. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to meet with him in our new Athens location.
Barbara (Barbi) Wheelden receives NSF Fellowship
Barbi Wheelden was awarded the NSF East Asia and Pacific Summer Institute (EAPSI) Fellowship and spent one summer conducting biodegradable polymer research at Seoul National University in Seoul, Korea. A story about her award was featured in Ohio University’s Compass. Barbi is the third member of KB’s group to be awarded the EAPSI fellowship and travel to Korea. Dr. Mahin Shahlari (PhD, Missouri S&T) and Dr. Patricia Cole (PhD, University of Missouri) were also the EAPSI fellows.
SEAM Lab acquires Equipment
The SEAM Lab has recently acquired analytical and processing equipment to further the materials and alternative fuel research conducted at the lab. Recent acquisitions include an Instron Tensile Tester, TA Instruments TGA, DSC, and ARES Rheometer, Thermo Scientific Gas Chromatographs, Agilent GC-MS, Micromeritics Surface Area Analyzer, and Leistritz Twin-screw Extruder.
Ms. Wei Zhang visits the SEAM Lab
Ms. Wei Zhang drove from northeastern Ohio to visit with KB and new members of the SEAM Lab. Wei is an alumnus of the University of Akron and our research group. She received her Master’s degree under KB’s advisorship while at Akron and has had a very successful career. She is currently with Promerus Electronic Materials.
Congratulations to Dr. Matthew (Matt) Factor for receiving his Ph.D. degree!
Dr. Factor defended his dissertation and received his Ph.D. degree in the spring of 2012. Matt’s work in polymer nanocomposites and supercritical carbon dioxide polymer processing was an excellent addition to an important field. Congratulations, Dr. Matt Factor!
Dr. Jared Bouquet earns his Ph.D. degree
Dr. Jared Bouquet graduated in May, 2012 and has accepted a position with AG Engineering, a subsidiary of Abengoa Bioenergy. He set a record as the youngest Ph.D. in the KB’s group. Congratulations, Dr. Jared Bouquet!
Congratulations to Dr. Jason Picou for receiving his Ph.D. degree!
Dr. Jason Picou received his Ph.D. degree in May, 2012. Jason also received his master’s degree under Dr. Lee in 2008. He published many papers, presented at conferences, and contributed to multiple projects during his time in the group. Congratulations, Dr. Jason Picou!
Lee and Collaborators awarded two U.S. Patents in 2011
Dr. Lee and his collaborators were awarded two U.S. Patents in 2011.
- J. Wootton, S. Lee, and A. Garcia-Ortiz, “Methods for supercritical water reformation of fuels and generation of hydrogen using supercritical water,” U.S. Patent No. 7,931,711, Issued April 26, 2011.
- J. Wootton, S. Lee, and A. Garcia-Ortiz, “Systems and methods for supercritical water reformation of fuels and generation of hydrogen using supercritical water,” U.S. Patent No. 8,038,743, Issued October 18, 2011.
SEAM Lab featured in Ingenuity Magazine
Dr. Lee, the SEAM Lab facility, and the group members were featured in the “From the Dean’s Desk” section of the 2011 issue of Ingenuity, the Annual Magazine of the Russ College of Engineering and Technology. Amber Tupper and KB were pictured in the magazine. The online edition of this magazine can be viewed here.
Ms. April Sloan earns her M.S. degree
April Sloan graduated with her Masters of Science degree in December 2011 and is now employed by Nooter/Eriksen as a Commissioning & Testing Engineer. Congratulations, April!
Athens Messenger Features Story on SEAM Lab
The Athens, Ohio newspaper the Athens Messenger featured a story about the SEAM Lab and its members in September of 2011.
Lee and Collaborators awarded two U.S. Patents in 2010
Dr. Lee and his collaborators were awarded two U.S. Patents in 2010.
- Garcia-Ortiz, S. Lee, J. Wootton, “Systems and methods for air purification using supercritical water oxidation,” U.S. Patent No. 7,722,823, Issued May 25, 2010.
- Garcia-Ortiz, S. Lee, J. Wootton, “Systems and methods for air purification using supercritical water oxidation,” U.S. Patent No. 7,811,537, Issued October 12, 2010.
Congratulations to Dr. Byung Gwon Lee!
Dr. Byung Gwon Lee, an eminent alumnus of our Group, was appointed as President, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), in March 2014. The KIST is the Korea’s flagship national laboratory. Dr. Lee received his Ph.D. in 1989 from the University of Akron. Congratulations to Dr. B.G. Lee!
Group reunion at the 2011 AIChE Annual Meeting in Minneapolis
Our entire group re-united and met at the AIChE Annual Meeting, held in Minneapolis, MN, November 16-21, 2011. We all stayed at the Ramada Plaza for the meeting and enjoyed quality time together. The group presented 9 strong papers at the conference.
KB’s Interview in Ohio Today Magazine
KB was interviewed on his views regarding the alternative energy future in the U.S. by Ohio Today Magazine. His full-page photo also appeared in the magazine. KB looks a little younger in the picture.
Michael Stever receives his Master’s Degree in August, 2011!
Michael Stever received his Master’s degree in August, 2011. He coordinated the Lab moving effort for our group and his dedicated service to the group is very much appreciated by all. Congratulations!!
Dr. Sunil Kesavan visited the SEAM Lab
Dr. Sunil Kesavan, a distinguished alumnus of the University of Akron and our group visited the SEAM Lab!
Dr. Shahid Bashir visited the SEAM Lab
Dr. Shahid Bashir, an eminent alumnus of our group, visited the SEAM Lab, all the way from Canada.
Congratulations to Dr. Mahin Shahlari for receiving her Ph.D. degree!
Dr. Mahin Shahlari, a new alumnus of our group, received her Ph.D. degree and accepted a position with Northern Technologies International Corporation (NTiC) in May, 2011. Her dissertation topic was “Biodegradable Polymer Clay Nanocomposites Based on Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) and Polylactide.” Dr. Shahlari was a principal researcher in KB’s Group at three different universities, viz., University of Missouri, Missouri University of Science and Technology, and Ohio University. Thank you and Congratulations to Dr. Mahin Shahlari!
KB’s group completes its relocation to Athens, Ohio
KB’s Group has relocated to Athens, Ohio in May, 2011. The hard work put in by our team members will be remembered for a long time.
Barbara Wheelden and Amber Tupper honored at the UCEAO 5th Annual Conference and Ohio Advanced Energy Centers of Excellence Showcase
Barbara Wheelden and Amber Tupper, both doctoral graduate students, won the Best Discussion/Explanation Award at the UCEAO 5th Annual Conference and Ohio Advanced Energy Centers of Excellence Showcase, held in Columbus, Ohio, April 26-27, 2011. Congratulations!!
Congratulations to our distinguished alumnus Dr. Byung Gwon Lee on his recent promotion
Dr. Byung Gwon Lee, a distinguished alumnus of our group, was promoted to Executive Director of Research Planning & Co-ordination Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) in January, 2011. The good news was received while Dr. B.G. Lee was doing his R&D with us at Ohio University as Distinguished Visiting Scholar. Congratulations!
Press Release: Dr. Lee featured in Ohio University’s Compass!
Dr. Lee has joined Ohio University as the Russ-Ohio Research Scholar in Coal Syngas Utilization and Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. He was featured in Ohio University’s Compass. Read the full story here.
Dr. Lee and team awarded a project from DRS Sustainment Systems, Inc.
Dr. Lee and his research team were awarded near the end of December 2009 an exciting project from DRS Sustainment Systems, Inc. on “Highly Specialized Polymeric Materials and Processing. Congrats!
Dr. Lee and team awarded a GAANN (Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Needs), U.S. Department of Education in August 2009
Dr. Lee and team were awarded a prestigious, multi-year, fellowship grant from the Department of Education in the area of alternative energy in August of 2009. Congratulations to all!!!
Dr. Lee honored as the keynote speaker for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Korea Science and Technology (KSTAM)
Dr. Lee was honored as the keynote speaker for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Korea Science and Technology (KSTAM). Dr. Lee’s keynote talk was on “Energy Enabling Technologies for a Sustainable Future.”
Dr. Lee and team awarded a multi-year grant from the Air Force Research Laboratory in July 2009
Dr. Lee and his team were awarded a multi-year research grant from the Air Force Research Laboratory in the area of alternative fuels in July of 2009. Congratulations to all!!!
Ms. April Sloan Joins Dr. Lee’s Group as a Doctoral Student
In May 2009 Ms. April Sloan received her Bachelors of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering at the Missouri University of Science and Technology and has enterred the doctoral program of the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering for Summer Session 2009. April had joined Dr. Lee’s group in December of 2008 as an undergraduate researcher. Congratulations, April!!!
Dr. Lee Honored with a Teaching Award
At a banquet on April 29, 2009, Dr. Lee was honored with Missouri S&T’s Outstanding Teaching Award for his accomplishments in instruction as a Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering. Congratulations to Dr. Lee!
Satya Putta received his Masters!
Satya Putta successfully completed his Master’s thesis defense on December 15, 2008 at The Missouri University of Science and Technology Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering. Congratulations to Satya!
Ms. April Sloan Joins Dr. Lee’s Group as an Undergradute Researcher
Ms. April Sloan, an alumni of Crystal City High School, is a senior in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the Missouri University of Science and Technology. April joined Dr. Lee’s group on December 1, 2008 as an undergraduate researcher. Congratulations April!
Lee Group presents at the 2008 AIChE National Meeting
Dr. Lee’s research group travelled to Philadelphia to attend the 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers National Meeting. The group’s presentation of eight papers was well received. The session papers covered topics ranging from polymer blending, polymer grafting, composites, supercritical water sucrose reformation, supercritical water reformation processes, and chemical kinetics involving fluoropolymerization. This was an excellent conference for the research group for the wide variety sessions that were available to attend, the opportunity to disseminate some of the group’s recent scholarly work, and the opportunity to meet with well-regarded scholars in chemical engineering research.
In the News–Dr. Lee Featured in the Fall NUTC News
Dr. Lee was recently featured in the Fall 2008 Edition of the Center For Transportation Infrastructure and Safety NUTC News at the Missouri University of Science and Technology. The article features Dr. Lee’s research specialties and chronicals Dr. Lee’s distinguished career. The article was published on the web on November 6, 2008.
Mr. Ryan Tschannen Joins Dr. Lee’s Group as an Undergradute Researcher
Mr. Ryan Tschannen, an alumni of Brookfield High School, is a senior in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the Missouri University of Science and Technology. Ryan was honored as Student of the Month for August 2008. Ryan joined Dr. Lee’s group on September 5, 2008 as an undergraduate researcher. Congratulations, Ryan!
In the News–Biodegradable Polymers
Dr. Lee was recently interviewed by The Guardian, a major London newspaper, on our biodegradable polymer research. The article in particular discusses current polymer research utilizing glycerol and polylactic acid, among other materials, that are environmentally friendly blending agents. The article was published on Thursday, July 10, 2008.
Jason Picou received his Masters!
Jason Picou successfully completed his Master’s thesis defense on June 3, 2008. The Missouri University of Science and Technology has also accepted the final approved copy of his thesis. Congratulations to Jason!
Mr. Jared Bouquet Joins Dr. Lee’s Group as a Graduate Student
Jared Bouquet was an undergraduate research at Dr. Lee’s laboratory for part of his senior year. On May 10, Jared received his B.S. in Chemical Engineering with honors from the Missouri University of Science and Technology. He is now joining Dr. Lee’s Group as a graduate student with the double distinction of being a Chancellor’s Fellow and as a recepient of a U.S. Department of Transportation Fellowship. Welcome, Jared!
Dr. Leavitt and Dr. Wenzel are chairing sessions for the AIChE 2008 Annual Meeting
Dr. Leah Leavitt is chair of Session 01F04 “Materials Synthesis and Processing with Compressed or Supercritical Fluids II: Polymers” and Dr. Jonathan Wenzel is co-chair of Session 01F07 “Environmentally Benign Processing and Separations with Compressible or Supercritical Fluids” at the 2008 AIChE Annual Meeting. These sessions are sponsored by High Pressure Area of the Engineering Sciences and Fundementals Group. Dr. Lee and his research team are looking forward to a successful conference and hope to see our alumni, friends, sponsors, and all interested scientists and engineers at the meeting.
Jonathan Wenzel is a Ph.D.!
Jonathan Wenzel successfully completed his Ph.D. dissertation defense on April 22, 2008. The University of Missouri – Columbia Graduate School has also accepted the final approved copy of his dissertation in time for spring commencement on May 9. Congratulations to Dr. Wenzel!
In the News–Environmentally friendly plastics plan
A news release on April 16, 2008 by Missouri S&T Public Relations featuring our research work on quality biodegradable polymers incorporating glycerol has gained attention in web-publications world-wide. The most recent article has been published on Intech’s website on April 24, 2008.
Lee Group presents at the 2008 AIChE Spring Meeting
Dr. Lee’s research group traveled to New Orleans to attend the 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Spring Meeting. The group’s presentation of four papers was well received. The session papers covered topics ranging from supercritical water JP-8 reformation, water gas shift reaction kinetics in supercritical water, and chemical reactions involving ethanol reformation.
Dr. Jeong Woo Yun Joins Dr. Lee’s Group as a Post-Doctoral Fellow
Dr. Jeong Woo Yun who recently received his doctoral degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Missouri at Columbia has joined Dr. Lee’s group on February 1, 2008 as a post-doctoral fellow. Congratulations, Dr. Yun!
Lee Group presents at the 2007 National AIChE Meeting
Dr. Lee’s research group traveled to Salt Lake City, Utah to attend the 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Annual Meeting. The group’s presentation of seven papers was well accepted. The session papers covered topics ranging from supercritical water fuel reformation, to polymer blending and composites, to polymer synthesis. The meeting was an excellent opportunity to renew old friendships, make new friendships, and visit with KB’s former students. In addition, Leah Leavitt and Jonathan Wenzel were appointed as session chairs for sessions in Group 1–Engineering Sciences and Fundamentals, section f, High Pressure for the 2008 AIChE Annual Meeting.
Dr. Lee named series editor of the Green Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Series
In mid-October CRC Press announced that Dr. Lee will be the series editor of the Green Chemistry and Chemical Engineering book series.
Lee Group and Partners awarded a US Patent in October 2007!
Dr. Lee and his associates were awarded a US patent in October of 2007.
- J. Wulff, M. Hulett, S. Lee, “Dual fuel composition including acetylene”, U.S. Patent No. 7,288,127, Issued October 30, 2007
In the News–Lawmakers learn of UMR’s impact
State Representatives from the Missouri House Appropriations Committee for Transportation and Economic Development toured the University of Missouri – Rolla (Missouri University of Science and Technology) campus and the Laboratory for Transportation Fuels and Polymer Processing on Wednesday, October 10, 2007. The article was published on page 1 of the Rolla Daily News on October 11, 2007, Volume 133, No. 252.
Leah Leavitt is a Ph.D.!
Leah Leavitt successfully, in fact eminently, completed her Ph.D. dissertation defense on June 22, 2007. She also submitted her final version of approved dissertation to the Graduate School. Congratulations to Dr. Leavitt!
Lee Group and Partners awarded 3 US Patents in May/June 2007!
Dr. Lee and his associates were awarded three US patents in May and June of 2007:
- M. Gencer, S. Lee, A. Sardesai, D. Kubik, “ Process for infusing an alkali metal nitrite into a synthetic resinous material “, U.S. Patent No. 7,217,749, Issued May 15, 2007.
- M. Gencer, S. Lee, A. Sardesai, D. Kubik, “ Process for incorporating one or more materials into a polymer composition and products produced thereby “, U.S. Patent No. 7,217,750, Issued May 15, 2007.
- S. Lee, P. Roberts, “ Chlorine dioxide gel and associated methods “, U.S. Patent No. 7,229,647, Issued June 12, 2007.
Handbook of Alternative Fuel Technologies now in print!
KB’s new book was published in April 2007. The book is now available for sale!
S. Lee, J.G. Speight, and S.K. Loyalka, “Handbook of Alternative Fuel Technologies”, CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, 2007.
Sunggyu Lee, PhD 