ChBE Ph.D. Graduate Awarded ARCS Scholarship

Michael Walker, a ChBE Ph.D. graduate was named Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America Scholar by the Chicago chapter of the ARCS (Achievement Rewards for College Scientists) Foundation, Inc. The ARCS scholarship provides an unrestricted $10,000 annual award for up to four years as long as the recipient continues to make satisfactory progress in his or her graduate program. The fellowship recipients were honored at the ARCS Chicago Chapter Annual Awards Luncheon.

Michael's work in the area of advanced gasification-based power generation technologies, such as Integrated Gasification-Combined Cycle (IGCC) and Integrated Gasification Fuel Cell (IGFC) processes, is aimed at the development of a computer-based process simulation model to predict the gasification product and optimize integration with downstream units within an advanced gasification-based power plant. His research will serve to advance process design and changes and to determine optimal plant operation that expedites the commercialization of new technologies. He'll be able to use his recognized teaching abilities, as well, when he participates in the formation of national scientific and environmental policy. His advisor is Professor Javad Abbasian.

In addition to his research work, Michael has been selected by ChBE students as the recipient of the Hamid Arastoopour Excellence in Teaching Award - Teaching Assistant of the Year two years in a row.