Trine chemical engineering students shine in summer research internships

Four Trine University chemical engineering students got paid to stay in school this summer, gaining invaluable research experience while contributing toward new technologies aimed at improving our environmental impact.

Seniors Marshall Beebe (Nappanee, Indiana), Natalie Crowner (Saline, Michigan), Jake Doyle (Marengo, Illinois), and junior Allison Korpi (Gladstone, Michigan) were awarded Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) fellowships, allowing them to perform cutting-edge research at universities and laboratories across the Midwest.

This marks a significant increase in the number of Trine chemical engineering students participating in summer research programs compared to recent years.

“Trine students gain new transferable skills when participating in summer programs such as REUs,” said Matthew Liberatore, Ph.D., department chair. “Having run an REU program previously, I’ve seen firsthand the advantages of students learning how to perform research, strengthening their communication, working with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences, and creating value for our program, employers and graduate programs. Chemical engineering at Trine benefits from REUs as these students return to campus ready to apply their new skills in the classroom, lab and extracurricular activities.”

Marshall Beebe: From classroom to Oak Ridge National Laboratory

This summer, senior Marshall Beebe took his passion for chemical engineering to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), where he worked as an ORISE SULI Intern (Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship). Beebe's research focused on developing high-performance biocomposites for additive manufacturing (3D printing), specifically by modifying pine fibers with bio-based epoxy to improve mechanical properties and reduce the environmental footprint, compared to petroleum-based epoxys.

Beebe was excited to have been selected for this prestigious internship at a renowned national laboratory.

“I was super excited when I learned that I was selected to participate in the SULI program at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. It is a very prestigious institution where a lot of professional scientists and researchers work,” he shared.

During his 10-week internship, Beebe was responsible for determining the optimal amounts of bio-based epoxy, polymer and biomass needed to create the composite, as well as preparing the samples for testing. The newer composites are used for 3D printing, allowing for greater complexity than a typical molding process.

His work culminated in the creation of biocomposites with wide-ranging applications, including as construction materials due to their low weight, affordability, printability and strength.

At the project's completion, Beebe presented his work on-site at the ORNL research symposium. He also had the opportunity to co-author a research publication, which he hopes will be published next year.

Reflecting on his experience, Beebe noted, “My favorite part so far has been learning how research is conducted at a national laboratory. Seeing how so many distinguished researchers and scientists work is very exciting. Also, creating the physical biocomposites from start to finish was very rewarding.”

Beebe’s experience at ORNL not only enhanced his academic and professional development, it sparked an interest in pursuing graduate studies.

“This project has increased my knowledge of biocomposite formation and data interpretation, while also improving my skills in communicating results. All the work I have done has interested me in going to graduate school and has opened doors for contacts that can help me in the future.” he said.

Natalie Crowner: Designing solutions for water contamination

Senior Natalie Crowner spent her summer at the University of Notre Dame as an undergraduate researcher, focusing on creating microparticles for an improved method of removing contaminants, such as heavy metals and PFAS, from water. Her research aimed to use the particles to attract and bind to water contaminants, creating a continuous system that addresses the limitations of current technologies.

“I chose to apply for the REU because I want to go to graduate school, and it was a good experience to learn more about what grad school is like and the application process,” Crowner explained.

Her responsibilities included creating microparticles, improving their size and shape, and testing their properties—a process she described as being similar to the work of a PhD student.

One of the highlights of Crowner’s summer was the freedom she had over the project.

“I enjoyed how much independence I was given. I made several discoveries, developed methods and adapted procedures on my own, which gave me a sense of accomplishment,” she said.

Crowner’s work has already garnered attention, as she presented her research at a symposium at the University of Notre Dame, plans to present at future conferences, and hopes to turn her results into a journal publication. The experience has solidified her decision to pursue graduate school.

“Participating in the REU has further convinced me to go to graduate school. I enjoyed the work I was doing as well as the structure of research, and I learned more about applying to grad school programs,” she concluded.

Jake Doyle: Unlocking the potential of nanocages for hydrogen production

For Jake Doyle, a summer at the University of Louisville meant diving into the world of nanotechnology. His research focused on enhancing the efficiency of hydrogen production through the use of a carbon nanocage to encapsulate nickel sulfide—a novel material for catalyzing the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER).

Doyle’s journey into research was somewhat serendipitous.

“In all honesty, I just applied to it because why not. A small part of me was also interested in what research could entail,” he admitted.

Despite his initial uncertainty, Doyle found himself excited by the unique challenges of his project.

“The thing that most excites me about this area of research is the fact that the method we used seems to be quite novel,” he said. “It could potentially lead to some amount of large-scale production applicability.”

Doyle’s responsibilities included synthesizing the nanocages, embedding them with nickel sulfide and verifying their structures using X-ray diffraction. His work culminated in a poster presentation at a nano summit, and he is now assisting in writing a research paper for future publication.

The long-term goal of this research is to improve the ability to store energy produced by solar panels and wind forms in the form of electricity, and turn it to hydrogen, which can then be transported across the globe to places where renewable energy production is less-feasible.

Reflecting on his experience, Doyle said, “My favorite part of the experience was really getting to meet all of the people throughout the summer. The staff at the University of Louisville that I worked with were phenomenal, as well as the PhD student that I worked with.”

The summer research program provided Jake with valuable insights into the world of research and its demands.

“Research is a game of patience. Some days it seems like nothing is happening and nothing is going to happen. Other days, it seems great, like when you are able to make the material you had previously been struggling to make,” he noted.

Allison Korpi: Engineering yeast for a greener future

Junior Allison Korpi spent her summer at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, working on a project that could have significant implications for sustainable energy. Her research focused on genetically engineering yeast to produce isobutanol, a hydrocarbon that can be used as a biofuel for airplanes.

Korpi’s motivation for applying to the REU was deeply personal.

“UW-Madison has been my dream graduate school, so I thought what better way to experience it!” she said.

She vividly remembers the moment she received her acceptance email, “I was playing putt-putt in Fawick’s hallway during E-Week. My phone buzzed and immediately I called my mom to proclaim that I had gotten the position!”

Throughout her 10-week experience, Korpi was responsible for constructing a gene variant library of yeast, modifying three different enzyme levels and looking at which combination maximizes yeast’s natural ability to produce isobutanol. Her research is part of a broader effort to find economically viable routes for producing biofuels, contributing to the development of carbon-neutral aviation fuel.

“The final part of my project has never been published. It’s neat to think that I could be the first person to investigate a certain topic,” noted Korpi, who has already been able to present her work at the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC).

Korpi found the independence she was granted in the lab to be one of the most rewarding aspects of her experience.

“I have also really enjoyed working in the lab and learning so many techniques that I can use in the future. I also liked being able to network with students from all over the country,” she shared.

Looking ahead, Korpi plans to leverage the skills she gained at UW-Madison toward her future studies at Trine by participating in Indiana Space Grant Consortium-funded research on Trine’s campus.

The experience has solidified her desire to pursue graduate studies. She encourages other undergraduates to explore research opportunities.

“I plan to pursue another research experience (academic or industrial) next summer because I enjoyed this one so much. I encourage any undergraduate students who are unsure if research is for them to try it out for a summer. You not only learn a lot about the field, but also about yourself and where you will be fulfilled career-wise,” recommends Korpi.

On-campus opportunities

Over the past five years, Trine chemical engineering has also increased the number of undergraduate research opportunities within the department, available on campus during the fall and spring semesters.

Students have the opportunity for mentorship under Trine faculty to study topics ranging from alternative energy and biofuels, cell culture and therapeutics, rheology, engineering education and machine learning. These opportunities allow for presentations at local and regional conferences in addition to major-specific elective credits.