Faculty / Staff

Susan Farhat

Assistant Professor Chemical Engineering 1700 University Avenue
2-226 AB
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Susan Farhat
Assistant Professor, Chemical Engineering
2226 Academic Building
810-249-4044
sfarhat@kettering.edu

Education
B.S. Chemical Engineering, Michigan State University, 2004
Ph.D. Chemical Engineering, Michigan State University, 2010

Courses
CHME 400 Mass Transfer Operations
CHME 410 Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics
CHME 480 Senior Chemical Engineering Design Capstone     (developed)


Research Associations:
Research  Specialties
Microwave technology, Dielectric properties, Magnetic properties, Polymers and composites, Magneto-dielectric composites, Structure-property relationships, Nanocomposites, Carbon nanotubes
Research Statement
The principal focus of my research experiences and interests lies in the area of advanced materials design.  This is a very broad area of research – branching into energy, nanotechnology, and biotechnology; however, the primary focus of my work has been designing, fabricating, and characterizing materials for improved performance for applications including energy and electronics.  In regards to energy storage, with the growing emphasis placed on efficient electronic packaging, embedded capacitors are important to furthering these technologies.  These materials require high dielectric constant, low dielectric loss (low dissipation factor), increased capacitive density, wideband performance, and simple processability; however, currently, there are limited materials designed that satisfy these requirements.  One approach includes using metamaterials, which present a new class of composites that can be utilized to extend the capabilities of materials beyond what is found in nature to meet requirements for the ever growing demand of new technologies and applications. Other approaches include using the idea of a ceramic nanocomposite or a metal-insulator nanocomposite.
Specialties:
Publications:
Select Publications 
1.  Farhat, S., Hawley, M., et. al.  “Magneto-dielectric Composites with Frequency Selective Surface Layers.”  Proceedings of ICCM -17: Seventeenth  International Conference on Composites Materials.  Edinburgh, UK. July 27-31, 2009.
2.  Farhat, S., Hawley, M., Kempel, L., Balasubramaniam, S.  “Synthesis  Frequency Applications.”  Proceedings of Materials Science and Technology 2007 Conference and Exhibit.  Detroit, MI. September 16-20, 2007.
3.  Farhat, S., Hawley, M., et al.  “Magneto-dielectric Composites for Radio Frequency Applications.”  Proceedings of the Fifteenth Annual International Conference on Composites/Nano Engineering (ICCE-15).  Haikou, Hainan Island, China. July 15-17, 2007.
4.   Farhat, S., Hawley, M., Kempel, L., Balasubramaniam, S.  "Design and Synthesis of Polymer Nanocomposites for RF Applications." Proceedings of American Society for Composites 21st Annual Technical Conference.  Dearborn, MI.  September 17-20, 2006.
 
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Mary Gilliam

Assistant Professor Chemical Engineering 1700 University Avenue
2-224-A AB
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Mary Gilliam

Assistant Professor, Chemical Engineering

2224A Academic Building

810-249-4043

mgilliam@kettering.edu

Education
B.S. Chemical Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, 2001
Ph.D. Chemical Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, 2006
Work Experience
Exatec, Division of Sabic Innovative Plastics, Wixom, MI, 2006 – 2011
After graduating in 2006, Dr. Gilliam took a position at Exatec, a division of Sabic Innovative Plastics, as the Plasma Technology Leader, supervising global technology programs and directing international R&D teams to develop next-generation coated polymer products targeting new applications.                                                                                                             
 
Courses
CHME 435 Process Control (developed)
CHME 436 Process Control Laboratory    (developed)
CHME 401 Mass Transfer Operations Laboratory
Research Associations:
Research Statement
The focus of the research program is around plasma processes and material development, including the application of high deposition rate processes and atmospheric pressure plasmas, which offer considerable decrease in working cost requirements over traditional plasma processes.  Plasmas can be applied to modify very thin surface layers or to deposit single or multi-layer coatings without altering the bulk characteristics of materials.  Research projects are targeted for commercial application in wind and solar energy, electronic materials, healthcare packaging, lightweight materials for transportation, aircraft, energy-efficient windows, and so on.  Investigation work focuses around process characterization, development of coating properties, and tailoring coating performance, including optical qualities, scratch and abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, UV-resistance, barrier properties, and others.  Experiments are designed to characterize the reaction behavior, determine the energy domains of the process, and quantify the effects of the process on coating properties.  This characterization generates process transfer functions that subsequently provide the basis to tailor the properties of the coating to meet the performance requirements of the targeted applications. 
Specialties:
Research  Specialties
Plasma process technology, Plasma chemical vapor deposition, Organic and organosilicon coatings, Plastics applications, Polymer surface modification
Publications:
Select Publications
1. M.A.Gilliam, A.Ritts, and Q.Yu, “The Mesh Disturbance Effects in LTCAT for Surface Modification of LDPE,” Journal of Applied Polymer Science, accepted 2009. 
2. M.Gilliam, Plasma Polymerization of Fluorocarbons and Plasma Surface Modification of Polymers, Lambert Academic Publishing, Germany (2009). 
3. M.A.Gilliam and S.Gasworth, “Characterization of the Parameter Space in Expanding Thermal Plasma Systems with Organosiloxane and Oxygen Reagents,” Society of Vacuum Coaters Annual Conference (2008), Chicago, IL. 
4. M.Gilliam, Q.Yu, and H.Yasuda; Plasma Processes and Polymers, 4 (2007) 165-172. 
5. M.A.Gilliam and Q.Yu; Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 105 (2007) 360-372. 
6. M.A.Gilliam and Q.Yu; “Low-Temperature Plasma Processes for Polymeric Surface Modification,” in Encyclopedia of Chemical Processing (2007) S.Lee, ed. 
7. M.A.Gilliam and Q.Yu; Recent Research and Developments in Applied Polymer Science, 3 (2006) A.Gayathri, ed., p. 13. 
8. M.A.Gilliam and Q.Yu; Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 99 (2006) 2528-2541. 
9. Q.S.Yu, C.Huang, Y.Chan, M.Gilliam, and H.K.Yasuda, “Glow Characterization in Plasma Deposition Systems,” Proceedings of 17th International Symposium on Plasma Chemistry (2005), Toronto, Canada. 
10. M.A.Gilliam and Q.Yu, “Modification of Polymeric Surfaces Using Low Temperature Cascade Arc Torch,” American Chemical Society Regional Conference (2003), Columbia, MO.
 
Patents
1.  M. Gilliam and K. Higuchi (2011).  U.S. Patent Application, “Organic Resin Laminate, Methods of Making and Using the Same and Articles Comprising the Same,” 2011
2.  K. Higuchi and M. Gilliam (2011).  U.S. Patent Application, “Organic Resin Laminate,” 2011
 
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Steven Nartker

Assistant Professor Chemical Engineering 1700 University Avenue
2-230 AB
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Steven Nartker
Assistant Professor, Chemical Engineering
2230 Academic Building
810-249-4041
snartker@kettering.edu

Education
B.S. Environmental Chemistry, Kettering University, 2001
Ph.D. Chemical Engineering, Michigan State University,2009

Work Experience
Engelhard Corporation, Iselin, NJ, 1997 – 2001 Automotive catalyst research group
Courses
CHME 200 Mass and Energy Balances     (developed)
CHME 300 Unit Operations    (co-developed)
CHME 301 Unit Operations Laboratory    (co-developed)
CHME 410 Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics    (developed)
CHME 420  Applied Transport Phenomena     (developed)
CHME 421 Applied Transport Phenomena Laboratory    (developed)
Research Associations:
Research Statement
Currently working on developing membrane separation technologies that can be used in the purification of methane produced from anaerobic digestion.  The successful implementation of low cost and energy efficient membranes will lead to an improved biogas generation facility.  This research is focused on identification of membrane materials, construction of polymeric membranes using nanoscale production techniques and characterization of materials and devices.  Electrospinning technology will be explored as a technique to prepare fibrous membrane materials as well as materials suitable for sensor and battery applications. 
Specialties:
Research  Specialties
Nanotechnology, Membrane separations, Electrospinning, Microscopy, Surface science, Polymer processing, Catalysis
Publications:
Select Publications and Conference Proceedings
1.  Nartker, S., Askeland, P., Wiederoder, S.  Surface Chemistry of Electrospun Cellulose Nitrate Nanofiber Membranes.  Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology 2011, 11, 1242-1247.
2.  Luo, Y., Nartker, S., Miller, H. Surface functionalization of electrospun nanofibers for detecting E. coli O157:H7 and BVDV cells in a direct-charge transfer biosensor.  Biosensors & Bioelectronics 2010, 26, 1612-1617.
3.  Nartker, S., Drzal, L.T. Electrospun Cellulose Nitrate Nanofibers.  Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology 2010, 10, 5810-5813. 
 
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Stacy Seeley

Department Head; Professor Chemistry / Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering 1700 University Ave
3-213 MC
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Dr. Stacy Seeley, Department Head of Chemistry and Biochemistry; Program Director of Chemical Engineering; and Professor of Biochemistry

Professional Preparation:
B.S. Chemistry,1989 - Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI
Ph.D. BioPhysical Chemistry,1995 - University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
Post-Doc Biochemistry 1997-1997, Tufts-New England Medical Center, Boston, MA

Seeley has taught at Kettering for more than eleven years and feels that some of the best descriptors of Kettering students are motivated, bright and hard-working. Additionally, she says that Kettering students are more driven to succeed and learn, and more focused than students at other institutions.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of teaching at Kettering for Seeley is the chance to work with students in labs, since this provides the best opportunity to get to know her students better. She also says that when looking at institutions where she would like to teach, she held Kettering in high regard, since the school is focused on teaching.

Hot tip for prospective students: "Come to Kettering!  Our programs are rigorous but we provide a nurturing environment"

Research Associations:
Specialties:
Publications:
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Julie Simmons

Administrative Specialist Chemistry / Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering 1700 University Ave
3-101 MC

Dan Van Cura

Chemical Engineering Lab Technician Chemical Engineering 1700 University Ave
2-228 AB

Jonathan Wenzel

Assistant Professor Chemical Engineering 1700 University Avenue
2-228 AB
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Jonathan Wenzel

Assistant Professor, Chemical Engineering
2228 Academic Building
810-249-4042
jwenzel@kettering.edu

Education

B.S. Chemical Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, 1999
Ph.D. Chemical Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, 2008

Work Experience

Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO 2006-2010, Research Engineer for the  Laboratory for Transportation Fuels and Polymer Processing, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering.  Dr. Wenzel supervised a team engaged in novel process research in energy techologies, prototype design and development, and green processing.  He was responsible operations, design, and execution of strategic projects and worked as a liason between the lab and project sponsors.

Courses

CHME 300 Unit Operations          (co-developed)
CHME 401 Mass Transfer Operations Laboratory   (developed)
CHME 450  Reactor Design           (developed)
CHME 451 Reactor Design Laboratory   (developed)

Research Associations:

Research Statement

My principle research focus is in developing novel high pressure and temperature process prototype technologies applied to efficient, sustainable energy, synthesis of chemicals, extraction, and the greening of conventional technologies.  With the increasing demand for fossil fuels as well as the environmental costs associated with production and use, there is need for continued research in novel and greener energy and process technologies.  A particular area of research that may be utilized in greener, efficient, and sustainable applications are process technologies utilizing near-critical and supercritical fluid applications as applied to the production of bio-hydrogen or synthesis gases from renewable resources.  Supercritical fluids gas and liquid-like solvent nature, as well inherently high density, permits for more compact, scalable, portable, and reactive energy-related processes in comparison to vapor phase catalytic processes.  Supercritical fluid technology may also be utilized in compact next-generation process technology that reduce reliance upon energy intensive and polluting mediums ranging from extraction of medicinal components from plants to polymerization and polymer processing.    

Specialties:

Research  Specialties

Supercritical fluid technologies, extraction, high pressure and temperature reaction process prototypes and control system design and fabrication, Reformation technologies, Process modeling and simulation

Publications:

Active Grants

“MRI: Acquisition of a CHNSO Elemental Determinator to Support Multidisciplinary Applied Research,” National Science Foundation, NSF Grant Number CBET-1228432, PI: Dr. Jonathan Wenzel, Co-PI’s: Drs. L. Wang, S. Nartker, J. Aurandt, M. Rabago-Smith. 9/1/2012-8/31/2013

“Non-catalytic reactions producing phenol from aromatic hydrocarbons using hydrogen peroxide and supercritical and subcritical water,” American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund, PRF Award Number 52948-UNI9, PI: Dr. Jonathan Wenzel. 1/1/2013-8/13/2015


U.S. Patents

Lee, S., Lanterman, H., Sardesai, A., Wenzel, J., Marshall, B., Yen, J., Amin-Sanayei, A., Moucharik, M.  Polymerization of Vinylidene Fluoride (VF2) in a Supercritical Fluid Medium.  U.S. Patent Number 7,091,288 issued August 15, 2006.

Refereed Articles

1.       Wenzel, J., Lanterman, H., Lee, S.  Experimental P-T-r measurements of carbon dioxide and 1,1-difluoroethene mixtures.  Journal of Chemical and Engineering Data 2005, 50, 774-776.
2.       Lee, S., Lanterman, H., Wenzel, J., Picou, J.  Noncatalytic reformation of JP-8 fuel in supercritical water for production of hydrogen.  Energy Sources 2009, 31, 1750-1758.
3.       Lee, S., Lanterman, H., Picou, J., Wenzel, J.  Kinetic modeling of JP-8 reforming by supercritical water.  Energy Sources 2009, 31, 1813-1821.
4.       Picou, J., Wenzel, J., Lanterman, H., Lee, S.  Hydrogen production by noncatalytic autothermal reformation of aviation fuel using supercritical water.  Energy and Fuels 2009, 23, 6089-6094.
5.       Picou, J., Wenzel, J., Lanterman, H., Niemoeller, A., Lee, S.  A kinetic model based on the sequential reaction mechanism for the noncatalytic reformation of jet fuel in supercritical water.  Energy Sources: Part A 2011, 33, 785-794.
6.       Picou, J., Stever, M., Bouquet, J., Wenzel, J., Lee, S.  Kinetics of the noncatalytic water gas shift reaction in supercritical water.  Energy Sources: Part A 2011, accepted and in press.
 

Select Articles in Proceedings and Conference Papers

1.       Wenzel, J., Picou, J., Factor, M., Lee, S.  Kinetics of supercritical water reformation of ethanol to hydrogen.  In Energy Materials, 2007 Proceedings of the Materials Science and Technology Conference, Greyden Press: Columbus, OH, 2007.
2.       Liu, H., Lee, Y. Wenzel, J.  High-pressure compaction of municipal solid waste to form an upgraded fuel for co-firing at power plants.  Pipeline and Environmental Engineering for the Next Millennium.  Conference, Kansas City, Missouri.  July 23-26, 2000.
3.       Vincent, L., Mabusela, W., Folk, W., Weitz, F., Rottinghaus, G., Mawhinney, T., Khan, I., Lee, S., Wenzel, J., Applequist, W., Gqaleni, N., Johnson,  Q.  Ethnobotanical studies of artemisia afra jacq. ex willd. (african wormwood).  2007 Missouri Life Science Week Poster Session. Conference, Columbia, Missouri.  April 16-20, 2007.
4.       Wenzel, J., Picou, J., Lee, S.  Control of ethanol dehydration in the supercritical water reforming of ethanol into hydrogen.  AIChE 2008 Spring National Meeting.  Conference, New Orleans. April 6-10, 2008.
5.       Picou, J., Wenzel, J., Lanterman, H., Lee, S.  Kinetics of noncatalytic water gas shift reaction in a supercritical water medium.  AIChE 2008 Spring National Meeting.  Conference, New Orleans.  April 6-10, 2008.
6.       Wenzel, J., Lanterman, H., Lee, S.  The kinetics of tert-butyl-peroxy-acetate initiated polymerization of 1,1-difluoroethene in a supercritical carbon dioxide medium. AIChE 2008 Annual Meeting. Conference, Philadelphia.  November 16-21, 2008.
7.       Wenzel, J., Picou, J., Lee, S.  Thermal effects of non-catalytic supercritical water partial oxidation of mid-distillate hydrocarbon fuels.  AIChE 2008 Annual Meeting. Conference, Philadelphia. November 16-21, 2008.
8.       Wenzel, J., Picou, J., Lanterman, H., Tschannen, R., Lee, S.  Control of C2-Hydrocarbon Formation in the Supercritical Water Reformation of Jet Fuel.  AIChE 2009 Annual Meeting.  Conference, Nashville. November 8-13, 2009.
9.       Bouquet, J.; Stever, M.; Picou, J.; Wenzel, J.; Tschannen, R.; Lee, S.  The Effects of Temperature upon the Supercritical Water Reformation of Alcohols for Hydrogen Productions.  AIChE 2010 Annual Meeting.  Conference, Salt Lake City.  November 7-12, 2010.
 

Associations

  • Emminent Engineer and co-advisor of Tau Beta Pi
  • Chapter Advisor for the Kettering University chapter of AIChE
  • Grand Master of Ceremonies, Second National Vice President, Alpha Chi Sigma, A professional chemistry fraternity.
  • Eagle Scout and former Assistant Scoutmaster

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