Learning about my research

For the last few years I have been a graduate student at Michigan Technological University in the Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics. I am National Science Foundation IGERT Fellow (IGERT stands for Integrative Graduate Research and Education Traineeship) and a member of the Sustainable Futures Institute (SFI). The name of the project is Sustainable Futures IGERT. Sustainabillity is the main aspect of the program and served as my motivation for pursuing an advanced degree.

At Michigan Tech I learned about the emerging field of nanotechnology. After taking some courses and reviewing the literature, I developed an interest in the implications that nanotechnologies (nanoparticles) could have on the environment and society. I found that even when the promises of nanotechnology to transfrom industry and the economy are big, little effort has been given to understanding the potential negative implications of nanoparticles. 

The human aspect that interests me is occupational health. It is well documented that exposure to substances in the workplace has resulted in diseases such as asbestosis and silicosis. Recently, research on fine particulate suggested that standards may not be protective of workers' health. Little is known about the health effects of nanotechnolgy; however, research findings have shown that nanoparticles can overcome the barriers of the human body once inhaled. There is no comprehensive assessment of exposure to nanoparticles in the workplace. Only one publication in the literature investigates the propensity of nanoparticles to become airborne.

My research is aimed at understanding the mechanisms that lead to nanoparticle resuspension with the final goal of predicting how such resuspension will affect the air quality at the workplace. In order to advance this research area I have focused on the following topics for my dissertation:

1. adhesion of nanoparticle to surfaces
2. resuspension of nanoparticles
3. nanoaerosols behavior
4. social implications of nanoparticles

Other projects

The following is a list of other relevant topics that I have investigated during the course of my studies:

1. Life cycle analysis of manufacturing processes 
2. Incorporation of sustainability principles into higher education curricula

Please visit my CV to learn more about my accomplishments and interests.