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Volkswagen Talks Materials at UT

UTK MSE PhD student Cece Grubb explains her dissertation work on bio-based paneling for automobiles to help Volkswagen meet their goals of a 100% recyclable vehicle to Pablo Di Si, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America. Cece’s advisor, Prof. David Harper of the Center for Renewable Carbon looks on.

Pablo Di Si, president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, visited UT on May 17, 2023, to observe the on-going collaborative research involving Volkswagen scientists and UT students and faculty.

MSE doctoral student Cece Grubb is supported by Volkswagen as she performs her research on creating new materials for the many plastic components in automobiles. The goal of her dissertation work is to develop processing-structure-property-performance relationships for new renewable and recyclable polymers without compromising their mechanical properties.

Her research is integral to Volkwagen’s efforts to meet their sustainability goals for manufacturing, including a carbon neutral, fully recyclable automobile.

Grubb is co-advised by Professor David Harper in the Center for Renewable Carbon at the UT Institute of Agriculture and MSE Professor David Keffer.

Read more about the VW visit.