MSE senior, Emmaline Howard, spent the summer participating in the Student Mentoring and Research Training (SMaRT) Summer Internship program through the University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII). She performed research with Professor David Harper at the Center for Renewable Carbon in the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture for a project titled, “Exploration of Additives for Improving Recycling of a Paper composite”. By 2040, automobile Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) predict net-zero carbon emissions. With the replacement of combustion engines, it is predicted that the CO2 footprint of materials will increase to 60% of the total car lifecycle footprint. This research is part of a larger effort by Volkswagen to develop a fully recyclable paper fiber composite to replace current plastic components. Of her experience, Emmaline says, “I have now worked over three years with Dr. Harper and this was my favorite project to work on. I got to lead my own work and have mentors guiding me. This was a great opportunity that makes me seriously think about graduate school.”
Congratulations, Emma!