RAMA KUMAR ALLADA
Chemical Engineering & Materials Science
Ph.D. Chemical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 1999
Research Focus:
Use of thermodynamics to study fate and transport of heavy metals in the environment. Thermodynamic properties are necessary to predict speciation of metals in aqueous environments. My research aims to measure the standard state thermochemical properties of hydrotalcite-like mixed-metal layered materials and relate these properties to structural and compositional variations.
Internship or Partner Interaction:
Since my thesis has an environmental science focus, I collaborate with geochemists and environmental chemists I plan to collaborate with researchers at BYU to use ‘Adiabatic Calorimetry' to measure the Third Law entropy of some hydrotalcite-like phases. My research also requires knowledge of inorganic synthesis chemistry and characterization techniques. Through the NEAT-IGERT program I have access to a number of analytical techniques and resources spanning several departments. I recently co-authored a paper, relating the thermochemistry of hydrotalcite-like compounds to the migration of heavy metals in natural waters, published in Science Magazine.
Personal Statement:
My current interests lie in the study of the thermochemistry of solids. Thermochemistry can be used in a number of applications including the design of new materials and well as improving the efficiency of processes by which materials are synthesized or manufactured on large scales. My background in chemical engineering and materials science helps me relate the world of microscopic materials properties back to design and production of materials. Through my project I have gained valuable experience in synthesis chemistry, which reinforces the link between the study of properties to synthesis, production and materials development.
