Alex’s research focuses on processes that use biomass as a source of renewable energy or in the production of more sustainable commodities. His dissertation evaluates thermochemically converting biochemicals in compressed liquid water with the use of heterogenous catalysts; reaction conditions that can lead to many process engineering benefits such as increased product throughput and reduced energy usage. Alex has several years of experience in catalysis, high pressure and temperature process design, surface science and spectroscopic characterization. He is also passionate in mentoring students by applying chemical engineering fundamentals through hands-on projects and making connections using active learning strategies. He completed his B.S. from University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2011 and Ph.D. under advisement of Professor Timko at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 2019. He recently was a postdoctoral associate with Professor Goldfarb at Cornell University before joining WPI in 2021.