Principal Investigator
Dr. Ana Rita C. Morais has joined the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering at the University of Kansas in August 2021, as an Assistant Professor. She has received her Ph.D. in Sustainable Chemistry from NOVA University of Lisbon, Portugal in 2018, where she focused on the development of sustainable solvent systems based on sub- and/or supercritical fluids for producing fuels and chemicals from biomass. Dr. Morais has developed a new ammonia-based technology for upgrading lignocellulosic biomass at Michigan State University and Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC), while working toward her doctorate degree. After completing her Ph.D., Dr. Morais was hired as a post-doctoral research associate to work on the determination of thermodynamic and transport properties of refrigerants with low global warming potential in lubricating oils, in collaboration with Chemours Company. In 2019, Dr. Morais joined National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), in Colorado, to investigate the performance of a catalytic process for upgrading lignin from varying sources into valuable aromatic platform chemicals. In addition, Dr. Morais worked on a project under the BOTTLE U.S. Department of Energy Consortium aiming to recycle post-consumer plastics using an organocatalyzed process. Dr. Morais’ research interests focus on the use of supercritical and sub-critical fluids to modify media properties in ways that aid more effective catalytic processes or chemical separations. This is particularly important for addressing chemical conversion of complex substrates that pose transport phenomena challenges, including waste plastics and lignocellulosic biomass.
Currently, Dr. Morais serves as the Deputy-Director of the Wonderful Institute for Sustainable Engineering (WISE), and Thrust 1: Reclaim and Repurpose Co-Lead at EARTH Research Center.
Ana Rita C. Morais
Our Team
Summer 2023
Senior Researchers
Apoorva Ranjekar
Research Associate
Apoorva is a skilled researcher specializing in sustainable energy technologies. His Ph.D. in Green Technology focused on optimizing hydrogen production through catalyst development. With extensive experience in characterization techniques and a strong foundation in materials science, including molten salts and conducting polymers, Apoorva is well-versed in intellectual property rights. He has two years of postdoctoral research experience. This includes one year at the Archer Daniels Midland - University of Kansas research (ADM-KU) lab, where he contributed to catalysis advancements, and worked at the Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis (CEBC) on a cutting-edge electrochemistry project funded by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DoD).
Students
Jared Bartlett
Ph.D. Student
I am a former undergraduate from the University of Kansas, graduating with a BSc. degree in chemical engineering. As an undergraduate, I participated in the FEWLS lab under the guidance of both Dr. Morais and Kinglsey, who helped me aspire for graduate school. I am now a graduate student pursuing a Ph.D. in chemical engineering with focus on catalysis. My current work aims to transform polyethylene into renewable fuels to help meet goals for a more sustainable future.
Saufishan Akbar
Ph.D. Student
I am Saufishan Akbar, holding a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, India, and a Master's degree in Chemical Engineering from Aligarh Muslim University, India. I have research experience in process modeling and simulation, with my recent work focusing on hydrogen production through biomass gasification. My research interests include sustainability, energy efficiency, and separation processes.
Nick Gorschak
Ph.D. Student
I received my bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh – Johnstown in 2023. While there I worked on several research projects related to sustainability. As part of the University of Kansas REU program, I worked with FEWLS on the catalytic synthesis of jet fuel from woody biomass. After completing my B.Sc., I decided to return to KU as a PhD student and continue working with FEWLS. Following my previous experience, my research interests lie in sustainable energy, materials, and catalysis. My current work with FEWLS is focused on utilizing CO2 to enhance hydrocracking of waste polyolefins into more valuable products.
Abeeha Ibrahim
Fulbright Masters Student
I completed my Bachelor's in Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Engineering and Technology, Pakistan in 2024. In the year following my graduation, I worked as a Process Engineering Trainee and then an Ammonia Process Engineer at Engro Fertilizers, Pakistan. As a process engineer, my work encompassed equipment and reactor evaluations via simulation and on-field activities, process monitoring, equipment design and optimization, and media replacements. I am now pursuing a Masters in Chemical Engineering under the Fulbright Program from the University of Kansas, Lawrence. As a part of Dr. Morias' group my research encompasses the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to SAF utilizing catalysts with a focus on catalysis and kinetics.
Lizzie Kattman
Undergraduate Student
I am a freshman from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I am majoring in Chemical Engineering with a concentration in Biomedical Engineering and the University of Kansas. I am currently conducting research with FEWLS concerning the catalytic conversion of plastics into renewable fuel. Additionally, I am an officer for the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) at the University of Kansas. In my free time, I enjoy crafting and watching documentaries.
Allison Tran
Undergraduate Student
I am a sophomore from Shawnee, KS, majoring in Chemical Engineering and minoring in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Kansas. I am working under Dr. Ana Morais on projects furthering sustainability, with a focus on the catalytic conversion of plastic waste into renewable fuels. Before joining FEWLS, I have conducted research under Dr. Alex Bertuccio, evaluating hydroponic systems for applications in sustainable agriculture and undergraduate Chemical Engineering curriculum. Outside of research, I enjoy being a violinist in the University of Kansas Symphony Orchestra (KUSO) and a member of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE).
Monte Asisian
Undergraduate Student
I am a freshman from Lawrence, Kansas, majoring in chemical engineering at the University of Kansas. I am currently conducting research at FEWLS, with a focus on catalysis. My goal is to synthesize biofuels, particularly sustainable aviation fuel, from lignocellulosic biomass. I enjoy playing and watching sports, specifically basketball, football, and soccer in my free time.
Kainsley Holdman
Undergraduate Student
I am a Junior from Lenexa Kansas majoring in Chemical Engineering and minoring in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Kansas. I am working under Dr. Ana Morias on projects focused on the catalytic conversion of plastic waste into renewable fuels. Outside of research, I enjoy live sound mixing and audio production.