A University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa student’s work to improve the efficiency of fuel-cell technology was awarded first place in the student poster presentation session at the in October. The honor came with a scholarship from the American Filtration Society.
student Jacob Vasquez presented research he has been conducting for his senior thesis with Godwin Severa, assistant researcher at the in the . They developed and tested specialized materials that capture atmospheric acidic gases that can pass through and impact the efficiency of fuel cells as they generate clean energy. To improve air purification technology, Vasquez analyzed the capacity for various materials to absorb gases such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide.
“The entire experience developed my presentation and networking skills and was an absolutely beneficial experience for me made possible by my department, the Hawaiʻi Natural Energy Institute, and the 东精影业 Mānoa (UROP),” said Vasquez. “It was rewarding to share our efforts to improve this promising clean energy technology.”
The conference was an international opportunity for professionals and students to present their state-of-the-art research in filtration. It included presentations from 30 students representing seven different countries over the course of two days. Students were evaluated by a panel that included experts in the filtration industry.
“We have exceptional students at 东精影业 doing cutting edge materials research that is critical for sustaining our future, including the full realization of fuel-cell based technologies,” said Severa. “It’s fulfilling to see our students participating in these efforts being rewarded. I encourage students to seek research experiences. It’s never too early to start. We are here to assist students in achieving and exceeding their expectations.”
Vasquez’s travel and conference attendance was supported by 东精影业 Mānoa UROP Presentation funding.
–By Marcie Grabowski