You have stated that your passion is for improving the efficiencies of gas turbines. Do you have any thoughts about using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) made from captured CO2?
Reducing CO2 in aviation is challenging given today’s safety first requirements, cost, and infrastructure. I see the solution in the near-term being sustainable aviation fuels, tackling the other issues in the long-term. As a matter of fact, sustainable aviation fuels are already being used as blends with petroleum jet fuel (traditionally used), but the issues for increased usage are costs and availability. SAF's cost is about 2-5 times that of petroleum jet fuel. In 2024, only 30,000 barrels per day of SAF were produced whereas in 2023, we burned about 1.6 million barrels per day of petroleum jet fuel, leaving a wide gap between production and what we need.
Do you have any predictions for the future of carbon capture and utilization in general?
I see carbon capture and utilization as an exciting approach to developing a new, more circular carbon economy — one where the carbon that's removed from the atmosphere is used in valuable products rather than sequestered, or stored. Through strong support and many programs in the Department of Energy, there has been significant progress in the technologies required for carbon capture, but again these processes come at a cost. Faculty, staff, and students in our College of Engineering are researching the efficacy and performance of different technologies for carbon capture. As these technologies continue to develop, I am hopeful that costs will come down. At the same time, I'm thrilled at the leadership the Global CO2 Initiative has demonstrated in identifying what products are good candidates for carbon utilization.
Of your many awards and accolades, do you have a favorite?
Although being a White House Champion of Change was special, my favorite is the R. Tom Sawyer Award from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, which is given to those making significant contributions to the gas turbine industry. I am grateful to have been recognized for the research that my students and I have done over the past years, which has led to more efficient and more durable gas turbines.
What inspires you?
Technology excites me, and it’s exciting to see my research going into real products, but I’m inspired most by the people and teams I have the opportunity to work with. I’ve been fortunate to be able to work with amazing students, staff, faculty and research colleagues, and I’m inspired by and take such pride in their accomplishments. It’s such an important part of my life to see them succeed.
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