For our fifth episode of “STEMTalk With STEMEncounters,” Professor Farrauto comes on and talks about his work in Environmental Engineering through Materials Science and Engineering at his time in Columbia and Industry. We first discuss his background in Materials Science through Environmental Engineering from his major in college, his background in higher education, and why he packed the field of Earth and Environmental Engineering while integrating it with Materials Science and Engineering.
We discuss his prior work in Industry in which he worked extensively on Automobile Exhaust Catalysts for abating toxic emissions (Carbon Monoxide, Hydrocarbons, Oxides of Nitrogen, and Particulate Matter). Then we understand his work as a Professor of Professional Practice in the Earth and Environmental Engineering Department at Columbia University; he goes in-depth on how his research includes capturing CO2 from power plant Flue Gas and converting it to CH4 fuel that is recycled and reused. The main goal of this is to minimize greenhouse emissions and decrease natural gas production (from fracking).
Professor Farrauto and I go into papers he wrote discussing dual-function materials and how it can be used to capture CO2 from an emission source. The main problem he is trying to fix from this paper and others after is how to capture CO2 emissions while making the process less energy-intensive. After, we share our opinions on the hydrogen economy and why vehicles and residential systems are moving towards that with fuel cells. Finally, we discuss his accolades in his field and new research on gas membranes being used to decrease carbon emissions, and how gas membranes correlate with his research and what he thinks of it.
Professor Farrauto encourages everyone to pursue STEM fields or become policymakers because our earth needs to be protected, and it is only the next generation of scientists, innovators, and leaders who can do it.
It was a delightful and phenomenal interview with Professor Farrauto. We talked about his past, research, Materials Science and Engineering in the environment, new research in the field, and what he wants to see in his field for the future. I am ecstatic to see his new research/publications moving forward.
