News
Tennessee Tech chemical engineering student places second in national competition
Shafieh Karami pictured at the national annual meeting competition of the American
Institute of Chemical Engineers (AlChE).
Shafieh Karami, a doctoral student of chemical engineering at Tennessee Tech, has
placed second in the national annual meeting competition through the American Institute
of Chemical Engineers (AIChE). Her award is in the category of 2022 Environmental
Division Poster Session, which recognizes the best original papers based on the results
of research related to the environment.
“It is very impressive that a first-year doctoral student has received this national
distinction,” said Pedro Arce, Tech professor of chemical engineering and university
distinguished faculty fellow. “The AIChE is the premiere national division dedicated
to Shafieh’s areas of research and it’s extremely competitive, as the most active
programs within the AIChE participate in the event.”
Karami traveled to the annual meeting of the AIChE in Phoenix, Arizona, to take part
in the event that brings together researchers, engineers and industry professionals
to learn from each other. She presented her research on microplastics in water treatment
plants, focusing on a case study on a treatment plant in western Iran.
Microplastics, plastic particles that measure five millimeters or less, can come from
places such as the breaking down of larger plastic pieces, from microbeads in personal
care products and synthetic clothing fibers. When they find their way into water,
the soil and the air, they can cause serious health issues for people and animals.
“Large quantities of microplastics are thought to be globally discharged to the freshwater
environments through wastewater treatment plants,” Karami said. “As the information
available related to sources of contamination is limited, this study focuses on understanding
the role of wastewater effluent and sludge from a municipal wastewater treatment plant
as potential pathways for microplastics input into both aquatic and agriculture-based
environments.”
According to Arce, Karami’s poster is an excellent building block for her doctoral
research program, as it can be replicated in other wastewater treatment plants such
as the one located in Cookeville. He believes her doctoral research project aligns
well with the department’s Environmental Catalysis Laboratory that specializes in
advanced oxidation processes. It is also a part of their grant from the National Science
Foundation and the Foundation’s Research Traineeship Program for food, energy, and
water nexus research.
“It is encouraging that the national Environmental Division of Chemical Engineering
has recognized her research,” Arce added.
Karami thanks her professors and mentors who have helped her along the way, including
Arce; Bahman Ghorashi, professor of chemical engineering; Robby Sanders, interim chair
of Tech’s chemical engineering department, as well as the entire chemical engineering
department itself. She also thanks those responsible for helping her to secure funding
for her attendance at the conference, including The Chemical Engineering Graduate
Research Association at Tech, the Student Monies Allocation Committee, and Research
& Economic Development at Tech, which sponsored the research.
“This recognition is a direct result of the supervision of my brilliant advisor Dr.
Pedro Arce, a professor of chemical engineering in the Chemical Engineering Department,”
Karami said. “I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to be a member of his
group and learn from him and the rest of the team here at Tennessee Tech. I believe,
Dr. Arce’s mentorship has been critical in helping me achieve this recognition and
I am deeply thankful for his untiring dedication and support throughout my time at
Tennessee Tech from day one.”
"Many congratulations to Shafieh who joins other previous doctoral students from our
program who have received recognition for their outstanding contributions,” said Sanders.
“The list includes graduates working at national labs, the research division of leading
companies, and as faculty and administrators in chemical engineering departments within
the USA and abroad. It is exciting that our doctoral students continue to be recognized
for their contributions that correlates with the motivating, collaborative and welcoming
learning environment that our department strives to create.”
Though Karami has no concrete idea of what direction life will take her after gaining
her doctorate, she says she is eager to continue her learning and see what doors open
up for her along the way.
“I believe that earning a Ph.D. degree should not be considered as the end of the
journey,” she said. “Instead, it should be viewed as a stepping stone to new and greater
opportunities. With a Ph.D. degree in hand, I am confident that I will be equipped
with the necessary knowledge, skills and expertise to tackle new challenges and make
meaningful contributions to my field. Whether it is through academia, or industry,
I am eager to continue learning and growing as a professional.”
