Fuel Screening Process for Novel Biofuels Using Physicochemical Properties Important to SI Engine Operation
By: Andrea Shen
Five processes essential for spark-ignition (SI) engine operation were identified that capture the events that take place in an engine from fuel injection to emissions out. Metrics were identified that quantify the fuel performance for each process, determined from models, correlations, and equations that use fuel properties as inputs.
I am a PhD student working in the Engine Research Center on gasoline spark-ignited direct-injection (SIDI) engines. My work is sponsored by the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) and is focused on the development of a fuel screening process to determine the performance of novel biofuels in-engine without having to run a gasoline-biofuel blend in an actual engine, instead focusing on key engine processes that are important for spark-ignition (SI) operation. In order to model the in-engine behavior of gasoline-biofuel mixtures, I have also developed a process to optimize the composition of a representative gasoline surrogate that will be used in the fuel screening process model; real gasoline fuels are composed of thousands of components, modeling each one of them is not feasible. The optimized gasoline surrogate is a simple seven-component mixture and, after in-engine validation, behaves very similarly to the gasoline fuel mixture it was based off of.
“Chemically Realistic” Polymer Modelling
By: Aritri Biswas
High demand for lithium lead to the search for lithium extraction techniques. We model chemically realistic polymer membranes that would aid in the separation of lithium from lithium reserves (sea salt brines).
Computational and Theoretical Chemistry
I am a theoretical chemist and physicist with around 6 plus years of experience.
Currently, I am pursuing postdoctoral research on understanding the behavior of complex fluids.
As a grad student, I was into ultrafast theoretical spectroscopy dealing with the time evolution of structural dynamics of aqueous solutions, ionic liquids, electrolytic mixtures, and biomolecules.
Being associated with the school, I have 17 publications in peer-reviewed journals, have presented my research in 5 international and 6 national conferences, and have earned several accolades.
Looking forward to building a career ahead in academia!
Weather Data Clustering Approaches To Aid Computationally Intensive Optimization Problems
By: Arjun Muralikrishnan
Problems such as minimizing the cost of introducing wind power into energy systems require MNILPs, which can evaluate situations accurately using granular temporal data. However, computing with each individual data point is computationally expensive. So, clustering approaches may be used to find specific data points that represent the larger dataset.
Arjun Muralikrishnan is a 3rd year Undergraduate student majoring in Computer Sciences and Mathematics with certificates in Environmental Studies and Digital Studies.
Mapping the UN Sustainable Development Goals at UW–Madison
By: Audrey Stanton
At UW–Madison, sustainability is an ongoing, collaborative effort between students, staff, and faculty, and you can find sustainability in action all around campus. The Campus Sustainability Map enables you to explore campus sustainability features such as solar panels, certified Green Offices, cultural centers, water efficiency upgrades, and learning communities.
Audrey Stanton is a PhD student in the Environment and Resources program at the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. Her research interests include campus sustainability, sustainability education, and life cycle assessment. As a project assistant with the Office of Sustainability, Audrey supports the undergraduate internship program, Green Fund, and campus sustainability map.
Audrey received an Environment and Resources M.S. from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and an Environmental and Sustainability Sciences B.S. from Cornell University.
In her free time, Audrey enjoys trips to the local farmers’ markets, exploring Madison’s natural areas, and cooking delicious dinners with friends.
UW-Madison Lakeshore Nature Preserve: Outdoor Learning is our Point!
By: Bryn Scriver
The UW-Madison Lakeshore Nature Preserve is a 300-acre outdoor classroom and laboratory on the UW-Madison campus. The Lakeshore Nature Preserve shelters natural environments and cultural resources for active learning, research, and outreach in a place of respite and well-being.
Bryn Scriver is the Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator for the UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve. She has served in this role since 2009. She has both a BS and MS from UW-Madison with a focus on ecological restoration of native plant communities. She loves to engage students and community members in caring for our beloved campus landscapes.
On-farm Genetic Diversity of Maize: Data and Defining the Blanks
By: Cathleen McCluskey
Intellectual property on U.S. maize seed obfuscates farmers’ and scientists’ ability to assess on-farm genetic diversity. Our research seeks to describe the genetic base of U.S. maize and how restrictions on seed create “blanks” about resources that humankind relies on for survival.
My research and expertise focus on seed systems and the culture of agriculture. As an agroecologist, I am passionate about the significance of seed and agriculture in our societies. This vital sector provides us with sustenance, but we must understand the importance of nurturing the environment, and how the science, practice, and movement of seed work builds a foundation for our food system. Bountiful harvests and resilient seed systems require careful tending to a long-term focus on sustainability.
ASM Sustainability Committee
By: Christina Treacy
We will be sharing a poster of the work our committee had completed in the past, including a summary of a Sustainability Goals and Actions Report, which was presented to the Chancellor’s Office last year. We will also be sharing the goals of our committee and our plans for this year.
The Sustainability Committee is one of the five open committees of the Associated Students of Madison (ASM), focusing primarily on environmental sustainability at UW-Madison. As a committee, we identify pressing environmental issues on campus and organize grassroots campaigns to promote sustainable solutions. The goal of this committee is to advocate for administrative and operational changes related to environmental stewardship, and ultimately create a more sustainable campus. We often connect with the greater Madison community to expand our efforts and advance our shared vision of sustainability. We also coordinate with other open committees, such as Legislative Affairs and Equity and Inclusion Committee, to work on environmental policy and environmental justice issues.
Committee members work together in teams on semester-long campaigns relating to environmental education, compost, water, energy, plastics, and more. Any student is welcome to join throughout the year, we are excited to hear your ideas for a more sustainable campus!
The Hydroclimate Extremes Research Group@UW-Madison
By: Daniel Wright
This poster provides a brief overview and introduction to the Hydroclimate Extremes Research (HER) Research Group at UW-Madison. Please visit our poster, or reach out to Dr. Daniel Wright or other members of the group for more information.
The Hydroclimate Extremes Research Group work on a range of topics including: measuring, modeling, and analyzing of extreme rainfall; understanding how rainfall and land surface processes produce floods under current and potential future conditions; and developing practical tools for improved rainfall and flood hazard and risk estimation.
Wave Energy Harvesting Using Electrostatic Technology
By: David Skrovanek
Oceans could provide a substantial fraction of our electricity needs but remain largely unused. To help make wave energy more viable, this research aims to use a simpler method of electromechanical energy conversion that reduces both materials costs and overall system complexity.
David is a PhD candidate at UW-Madison in Electrical Engineering. He and his advisor, Prof. Dan Ludois, are interested in leveraging the unique properties of electrostatics to make an impact in the renewable energy and power utility sectors.
Prior to his doctoral studies, David was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to pursue his M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering at the Dresden University of Applied Sciences in Germany. His research focused on using fiber-optic technologies to boost the capacity of transmission lines. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and a B.A. in German.
PFAS in metal recycling streams
By: Erin Bulson
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals that may pose a threat to human and environmental health. PFAS also have many useful applications, particularly within the transportation sector. Moreover, PFAS play an important role in expediting the transition to low-carbon transportation. At end-of-life, vehicles typically end up in metal recycling streams. From an environmental sustainability perspective, it will be critical to quantify the flow of PFAS derived from metal recycling streams to ensure that the respective PFAS are destroyed, sequestered, or retained through additional material cycling.
I am a Ph.D. candidate in Civil and Environmental Engineering, and am part of the Hicks Research Lab – Sustainability & Emerging Technology Research Group. My research focuses on the evaluation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) flows in metal recycling streams. I grew up in Missouri and currently live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. My aim is to work in the overlap of science/engineering, business, and policy, to advance sustainability initiatives across the board.
Office of Sustainability: Food Intern Team
By: Office of Sustainability Food Team
An overview of the work that student interns in the UW–Madison Office of Sustainability have been working on over the last year. Specifically, we will discuss our work in the Chadbourne Garden Beds, our new cookbook, and upcoming workshops.
The Food Team aims to address and improve food waste, food access, and food education on the UW–Madison campus. The food team consists of nine student interns: Elisabeth Bautista, Maddy Doeden, Annabelle Letizia, Melina Nguyen, Kylie Schedler, Rory Tevlin, Winston Thompson, Bailey Tomsich, and Chandler Wells.
UW–Madison Office of Sustainability Green Events Team
By: Office of Sustainability Green Events Team
This poster provides an overview of the UW–Madison Office of Sustainability Green Events team. The Green Events team provides guidance and resources to improve the sustainability of events on the UW–Madison campus.
The UW–Madison Office of Sustainability Green Events team is composed of 6 student interns in the 2023-2024 cohort: Elisabeth Bautista, studying Conservation Biology and Global Health; Emma Erickson, studying Conservation Biology and Environmental Studies; Brynne Hill, studying Environmental Studies and Spanish; Annabelle Letizia, studying Environmental Science; Melina Nguyen, studying Political Science and People-Environment Geography; Rory Tevlin, studying Agricultural Business Management. We as interns recognize the actions event planners are taking to reduce the environmental impact of their event and encourage them to expand their efforts. We are eager to collaborate and make each client’s event a sustainability success.
Green Office Certification Program Overview
By: Office of Sustainability Green Office Team
This poster provides an overview of the UW–Madison Office of Sustainability Green Office team. The Green Office team helps campus offices of any size to become more sustainable workplaces through a one-step certification process. The program helps employees better understand the impacts of their practices, and create healthy and sustainable work environments.
The UW–Madison Office of Sustainability Green Office team is composed of 6 student interns in the 2023-2024 cohort: Elisabeth Bautista, studying Conservation Biology and Global Health; Maddy Doeden, studying Legal Studies & Environmental Studies; Thomas Hadcock, studying Economics, Environmental Studies, and History; Narayani Meghna Varanasi, studying Economics; Kylie Schedler, studying Environmental Science; Britta Wellenstein, studying Environmental Studies and Life Science Communications. We as interns want to help inform and educate UW–Madison employees so that they can become part of a campus community where sustainability is meaningful and widespread.
Sustainable Dairy Farming using Wearable Technology for Heat Stress Detection
By: Hien Vu
Heat stress is a major threat to the well-being of dairy cattle and the sustainability of dairy farming worldwide. Timely detection of cows under heat stress is crucial to preserving energy and water for cooling as well as improving animal welfare. We present an ear tag and an associated system that can reliably collect cow’s body temperature in real-time for heat stress detection while running autonomously throughout the cow’s lifespan.
Hien Vu received the BSc degree in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering from Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Vietnam, in 2018, and the MSc degree in Computer Science from Soongsil University, South Korea, in 2020. He is currently a third-year PhD student in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA. His research interests includes cyber-physical systems, internet-of-things, low-power computing and communication.
Campus Solar Array Analytics (DSSD X Helios)
By: Jack Blake
Campus Solar Array Analytics project built through the collaboration between Data Science for Sustainable Development and Helios
I’m a computer science student finishing up my undergrad this semester, and starting a master’s this spring. I’m the president of Data Science for Sustainable Development’s Madison chapter, which creates software for non-profits, NGOs, academic organizations, and other student organizations. We target the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which strongly push for sustainability and renewables, but also focus on economic and social issues.
Assessment of University of Wisconsin-Madison Solar Potential
By: Britta Wellenstein, Emily Valentine, Hannah Stahmann, Jaime Garibay-Rodriguez, Jon Starfeldt, Josh Arnold, Shardul V. Singh, Narayani Meghna Varanasi, Thomas Hadcock, and Winston Thompson
Electricity generation from fossil fuels must be transitioned to low-carbon and clean energy sources (e.g., solar). We employ a widely used web-based tool (Google Project Sunroof) to assess the rooftop solar energy potential at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. We find the maximum amount of solar energy available on campus
Jon Starfeldt is a student of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences & Data Science and co-leads HELIOS. Winston Thompson is a student at International Studies and Biology. Britta Wellenstein is a Senior at UW-Madison studying Science Communications and Environmental Studies. Thomas Hadcock is a Senior undergraduate in the L&S Honors Program studying Economics, History, and Environmental Studies. Narayani Meghna Varanasi is a Junior at UW–Madison studying Economics and Mathematics. Hannah Stahmann is studying Spanish and Environmental Studies earning certificates in Sustainability and Public Policy and co-leads CLEAN. Emily Valentine is a student at UW-Madison studying chemistry and environmental sciences and co-leads CLEAN. Shardul V. Singh is a Project Assistant in the Office of Sustainability studying an MS in Industrial Engineering at UW-Madison. Jaime Garibay-Rodriguez is a postdoctoral researcher at La Follette School of Public Affairs and SAGE. Josh Arnold is the campus energy coordinator with the Office of Sustainability.
Drivers and Risks of Carbon Lock-in in Household Heating Transitions
By: Jaime Garibay Rodriguez and Morgan Edwards
Recognizing that continued investment in fossil fuels infrastructure may trigger increased energy burdens for vulnerable communities during the energy transition, we investigate the effects of plans to replace distribution-level natural gas pipelines at the state level and extrapolate to a potential scenario at the national level in the U.S.
Dr. Jaime Garibay-Rodriguez is a Postdoc at La Follette School of Public Affairs, where he works in the Climate Action Lab (led by Prof. Morgan R. Edwards) and has affiliations in the Office of Sustainability and the Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment (SAGE). Part of his research focuses on modeling and optimizing sustainable energy transition systems, particularly related to buildings and energy justice during the energy transition. Jaime also works in collaboration with the Office of Sustainability to assess clean energy potential at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Prof. Morgan R. Edwards is an Assistant Professor at La Follette School of Public Affairs, with affiliations at the Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment (SAGE) and the Holtz Center for Science & Technology Studies. Her research and teaching focus on just energy responses to the climate crisis across policymaking scales.
Empowering a Sustainable Energy Transition through Decision-Making Tools: A Case Study of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Campus
By: Javiera Vergara
This study proposes a formulation of a multi-objective optimization problem for the design and infrastructure planning of an energy system transition from fossil-based to zero-carbon, addressing both short and long-term decisions. It considers factors such as the intermittency and availability of resources, production and emission targets, and policy choices.
Javiera is a first-year graduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Energy Analysis and Policy. Her research centers on applying optimization techniques to develop decision-making tools to promote the energy transition. Before embarking on her Ph.D. journey, Javiera earned her B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Chile in 2022. While there, she focused on designing and evaluating renewable energy systems within the mining sector, showcasing her commitment to addressing critical energy and environmental challenges. Following her graduate studies, Javiera gained practical experience as an energy consultant, advising financial institutions on financing renewable energy projects in South America. Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, she enjoys cooking, outdoor activities, and cross-stitching.
Envisioning a Sustainable West Campus District
By: Josh Arnold, Haley Rogers, and Vanessa Herald
Imagine West Campus as a destination for people to live, learn, work, and play, where people flourish, nature is enhanced, and Badgers come together in new public spaces that connect campus and the community.
Haley Rogers, Strategic Initiatives Analyst, Office of Finance & Administration. Vanessa Herald (she/her), Project Manager, Office of Strategic Consulting. Josh Arnold, JD, MBA, LEED AP, is the Campus Energy Advisor with the Office of Sustainability, where he is responsible for coordinating energy conservation, renewable energy, and strategic planning efforts at the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Driving Change: Emission Regulations and the Surge of Pickup Trucks in America
By: Leo Strand
Exploring the surge in light-duty pickups in the U.S. and their connection to fuel economy standards. This poster dissects the regulatory landscape’s influence on vehicle choices, offering insights into a growing trend in American automotive preferences.
Leo Strand, a sophomore at the UW, majors in Environmental Studies and Political Science, with minors in Public Policy and History. Beyond classes, Leo is employed at a local bike shop, interns with Wisconsin Assembly Member Jenna Jacobson, and is an active member of several student organizations. Their passion for environmental policy propels them towards fostering a more sustainable Wisconsin via public policy initiatives.
The Role of Uncertain Carbon Dioxide Removal Technologies in Climate Policy
By: Matilyn Bindl
Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies are necessary for achieving climate goals, but many are currently under development. What are the consequences of planning for levels of CDR today that are different than what is realized in the future? This research uses an integrated assessment model to explore the outcomes of planning for CDR under uncertainty.
Matilyn Bindl is pursuing her PhD in the Nelson Institute Environment and Resources program with a certificate in Energy Analysis and Policy. Advised by Dr. Morgan Edwards of the La Follette School of Public Affairs, Matilyn’s interdisciplinary research uses integrated assessment models to understand the scale-up potential, policy implications, and equity impacts of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies.
NIMBY, Nuclear, and Our Sustainable Energy Future: Modeling Competing Energy Policies
By: Matthew Viens
Modernizing the Energy Grid is key to a sustainable future. We show how simple generation policies can induce undesirable and infeasible solutions in energy grid models impacting applications from economic dispatch in renewable power to capacity expansion planning. We propose modeling formulations and methods to address these challenges.
Computer Sciences PhD Student working on Optimization Modeling for Policy Impacts. Advised by Michael Ferris. Active projects in modeling the US and Wisconsin Energy Grid at varying resolutions to plan for the future energy needs of our communities under diverse policy paradigms.
My Green Lab Certification Program
By: Office of Sustainability Green Labs Team
This presentation discusses the My Green Lab Certification program, administered by the Office of Sustainability’s Green Labs team. The program is administered once each academic year. The poster will outline our recently completed pilot program and our efforts to develop a more cyclical model.
The Green Labs intern team aims to help all laboratories on campus become more sustainable. Our consultation services provide UW–Madison students, faculty, and staff the information and tools they need to better understand the impacts of their practices and create healthy and sustainable laboratory environments. The Green Labs team consists of Emma Erickson, Thomas Hadcock, Gaby Johnson, Winston Thompson, Bailey Tomsich, and Chandler Wells.
The SustainUW Podcast
By: Office of Sustainability Podcast Team
The SustainUW Podcast is a centerpiece of sustainability conversations on campus. In this presentation, we will highlight our wide range of past guests and episodes. We will also discuss how we plan to advance our podcast and grow our listener base in collaboration with students from the Marketing 355 class.
The SustainUW Podcast is created and hosted by student interns from the UW-Madison Office of Sustainability. Each episode explores a different question related to sustainability as it impacts the UW-Madison campus and the broader community. Guests include professors, student activists, campus staff, and other experts who help hosts uncover the complicated story of sustainability. This podcast examines common narratives of environmentalism and questions the status quo, seeking to understand what’s up with sustainability and where we should go from here.
Assessing Air Quality Effects of Backup Generators at UW-Madison: Present and Future Implications
By: Sagar Rathod
This study examines the air-quality consequences of present-day and future backup generator utilization on the UW-Madison campus. Employing dispersion modeling techniques, we assess the impact of generator emissions on air quality. This analysis contributes vital insights to sustainable campus planning and enables a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between energy infrastructure and air quality and health impacts.
I am a Postdoc at the La Follette School of Public Affairs. My research focuses on the quantification and mitigation questions around methane and energy transition at various spatial scales – from cities to global. I did my Ph.D. in atmospheric science at Colorado State University, looking at the role of metals in the Earth and energy systems. Before that, I was an environmental engineer in India treating wastewater and air pollution.
Flex Fuel Engine: A concept for Greener and Sustainable Transportation
By: Saurabh K Gupta
Batteries electric vehicles are great for short transportation and city mobilities but big machines viz. Ships and Long Haul Trucks should run on Internal Combustion Engines. This sector currently contributes to nearly 10% of greenhouse gas pollution. Flex Fuel engine can be a milestone to get rid of this greenhouse gas by utilizing low cetane e fuels.
I am Saurabh, currently working as research assistant at Mechanical Engineering in UW Madison. Previous I worked as Senior Manager R&D for Tata Motors (parent company for jaguar and land rover). I graduated from IIT Madras, Chennai India. During this short research journey, I have 6 publications and 3 patents.
Fabrication and Evaluation of a Potentiometric Nitrate Sensor for Monitoring Real-Time Nitrate Concentration in Multiple Soil Layers
By: Shuohao Cai
This presentation introduce an cost-effective, 2D printed nitrate sensor which can be applied in the soil and monitor soil nitrate concentration in real time.
I am a PhD student in my second year. I am from soil sensing and monitroing Lab, the department of soil science. I am testing a novelty soil nitrate sensor working with researchers from mechincial engineering department. I am also studying nitrate leaching, and fertilizer application practice management.
The Social Sustainability Coalition is part of the Student Intern Program at the Office of Sustainability here at UW–Madison. Our group hopes to initiate and continue discussions of social sustainability on campus and in our community. We strive to educate people on the importance of social sustainability and the necessity of protecting and supporting people while saving our planet.
Eye in the Sky: Predicting Crop Nutrient Status and Crop Yield
By: Taqdeer Gill
In our research, hyperspectral imagery has been used to develop a tool for the snap bean farmers to optimize nitrogen fertilizer application. Six different nitrogen treatments were applied in split doses. Final crop yield and in-season nitrogen was predicted by collecting imagery. Results indicated that random forest model performed best.
I hereby introduce myself Taqdeer Gill, a PhD student in the Department of Horticulture at University of Wisconsin-Madison under the mentorship of Dr. Yi Wang. My research project focuses on development of remote sensing based decision support models for nitrogen management of vegetable crops such as dark kidney beans and snap beans.
I got opportunity to gain science advocacy and leadership experience as a part of 2022 SEED ambassador (Scientists Engaging and Educating Decision-makers) program and received 2021 Future Leaders in Science Award by ASA). I was a part of team Tennessee during the “2021 Future Leaders in Science Award” program where I got an opportunity to advocate for funding support for USDA research programs for fiscal year 2022.
My career aspiration is to provide sustainable solutions to the current agricultural problems.
Food Scrap Collection Program at UW-Madison
By: Travis Blomberg
Travis will provide an update on the food scrap collection pilot program.
Travis Blomberg (he/him/his) coordinates campus’ zero waste efforts. Specifically, Travis aligns sourcing/procurement practices, consumption behavior, and diversion opportunities for recoverable materials. Travis works closely with various stakeholders including, but not limited to, purchasing departments, Physical Plant, research offices, academic enterprise, Capital Planning & Development, business operations, facility and office managers, the UW System, students, student organizations, Wisconsin Union Directorate, University Athletics, University Housing, municipal governments, waste / recycling companies, suppliers, economic development councils, and community business partners.
Sustainable Design of the STRAP Process for Industrial Recycling of Multilayer Plastics
By: Yoel
The solvent-targeted recovery and precipitation (STRAP) process enables the separation and recycling of the constituent polymers of multilayer plastics. In this study, a new sustainable design was developed for the STRAP process that can be extended to any number plastic layers and results lower environmental impact and greater profitability.
Yoel is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Yoel completed his B.S. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology and his Ph.D. at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. His research focuses on assessing and guiding the development of new and emerging processing technologies for biofuels, bioproducts, and plastics recycling. During his Ph.D., Yoel created the BioSTEAM open-source software to enable the design, simulation, and assessment of biorefineries under uncertainty. As the lead developer, Yoel holds virtual workshops for researchers around the world to further grow the BioSTEAM community. Yoel also enjoys dancing and teaching Salsa, Bachata, and Cumbia in his free time. Be it through modeling conceptual technologies, creating software for a broader audience, or growing the dance community, Yoel hopes to make a lasting impact for a sustainable future.