2015-2016

Sebastian Manuel Escotet, President, PhD Candidate in Chemical Engineering

Hello! My name is Manuel “Sebastian” Escotet-Espinoza and I am a third-year Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering PhD student working at the NSF Engineering Research Center for Structured Organic Particulate Systems (ERC-SOPS). I am originally from Venezuela, where I spent the first 18 years of my life! My research, under the supervision of Dr. Marianthi Ierapetritou, focuses on process systems modeling of continuous pharmaceutical operations. My main project objectives include the development of mathematical models for continuous unit operations and their integrated application in process simulations (i.e., flowsheets). I hold a Bachelors and Masters in Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University – University Park and a Masters in Engineering degree in Pharmaceutical Engineering from Rutgers University – New Brunswick.

Soumya Asthana, Vice President,  M.S. Student in Chemical Engineering

Hello everyone! I am Soumya Asthana and currently I’m a first year Masters student in the Chemical and Biochemical Engineering. I’m currently working on a National Science Foundation funded project under Dr. Shishir Chundawat, in the area of enzyme modeling and protein engineering. The project involves optimization of enzymes (by way of mutation) to selectively decrease the binding to lignin or increase binding to cellulose while maintaining a certain level of activity. I received my Bachelors in Technology in Oils, Oleochemicals and Surfactants from the Institute of Chemical Technology (previously UDCT), India. Also, I’m a social media fanatic and you can find me on various platforms!

Shishir Vadodaria, Secretary, M.S. Student in Chemical Engineering

Hi! I am Shishir Vadodaria and presently a second year graduate student (Master’s) in Chemical Engineering. I am currently doing research in Dr. Marianthi’s group, working on modeling of the Tablet Press for the Continuous Tablet Manufacturing process, as a part of the Engineering Research Center for Structured Organic Particulate Systems. The project involves developing a model for the tablet press, validation and finally integration with the other unit operations in the continuous production line. I received my Bachelors in Technology from the Institute of Chemical Technology (UDCT), India. I enjoy traveling and hold an Open Water Diver’s License (scuba diving).

Shashwat Gupta, Treasurer, M.S. in Chemical Engineering

Hello! I am Shashwat Gupta, a first year Masters student of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering. My research, under the supervision of Dr. Shishir Chundawat, focuses on the processing of biomass into fuel. My main project objectives include the development of an Aspen plus model as well as the techno-economic analysis for the biomass refinery, and Enzymatic processing of pre-treated biomass samples, and their characterization using XRD. I hold a Bachelors of Technology in Fibers and Textile Processing Technology from the Institute of Chemical Technology (India). I grew up in India, and needless to say, I am a BIG fan of cricket!