Chemical Engineering Engineer

F E L I P E G U Z M A N

Senior Research Scientist

330-***-****

*********@*****.***

www.linkedin.com/in/felipe-guzman-4695b37/

Chemical Engineer with background in catalysis, material science, and electrochemistry. Proven experience leading research and development projects from laboratory scale to viable technology. Exceptional analytical, communication, and organizational skills; forms strong working relationships with customers and colleagues at all levels. [Immigration status: Permanent Resident/green card holder] SELECTED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Heterogeneous catalysis

Electrochemistry

Fuel cells and energy storage materials

Inorganic chemistry

Surface sensitive characterization techniques

Microscopy (TEM, STEM, SEM, OM)

Project planning and execution.

Research collaboration management.

EDUCATION

Ph.D. Chemical Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio. (2009) M.S. Chemical Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron Ohio. (2005) B.S. Chemical Engineering, Universidad Nacional, Bogotá, Colombia. (2002) PROFESIONAL EXPERIENCE

Senior Scientist July 2017 – present

Genetics Research LLC, Wakefield, MA.

Developed surface functionalization chemistry to immobilize and image single DNA molecules (5-100 kbpair) on optical-grade glass substrates, enabling analysis of targeted genomic regions for medical diagnostic applications.

Led the development of a low cost microfluidic platform that integrates DNA surface immobilization chemistry and single molecule imaging for medical diagnostic assay, utilizing ultralow DNA mass input.

Established and managed in-house bioinformatics tools for analysis of DNA sequencing data (Illumina and Oxford Nanopore platforms). Reduced turnaround time from 45 days to 5 days with a combination of focused vendors and strategic partnerships.

Senior Research Scientist May 2014 – Jun 2017

ZS Genetics Inc, Wakefield, MA.

Devised a highly sensitive electrochemical analysis technique that utilizes amperometric methods to detect and quantify small volume (5-30 μL) nucleic acid samples. Developed protocols for analysis of complex DNA sequences comprising nucleoside phosphorothioate groups and organometallic coordination compounds.

Studied the electrochemical degradation of oligonucleotides on amorphous carbon electrodes by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). Developed strategies to passivate the oxidation activity of amorphous carbon by surface modification and chemical functionalization.

Developed a proprietary process to functionalize the surface of ultrathin carbon membranes to impart chemical and physical properties required for Ultra-long, 50,000+ basepair, single-molecule DNA analysis technology. Completion of project contributed to securing a strategic industrial partnership and funding

(5M+) to initiate commercialization of the technology.

Initiated and manage the company’s material chemistry laboratory. Led the selection and purchase of key analytical instrumentation. Initiated and managed collaborations with academic institutions and industrial partners (Harvard University, MIT, Surface Science Western, Draper, Lariat Biosciences) to expand the company's technical capabilities in electrochemistry, nanofabrication, surface characterization, and spectroscopy.

Research Engineer Jan 2010 – May 2012

First Energy Adv. Energy Research Center, Akron, OH.

Led the design, construction, and integration of a prototype Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) stack demonstration unit that enables direct power generation from coal, coke, and other carbon-containing fuels at moderate Temperatures (700-850 C). Successful completion of the project contributed to securing continued industrial support and 2M+ in funding.

Developed and optimized formulations for scalable, reproducible and cost-effective fabrication of anode and cathode electrodes as well as other high temperature inorganic materials (Zirconia electrolytes, alumina substrates) by implementing various ceramic processing methods (tape casting, screen printing and co-firing/sintering).

Synthesized Nickel electro catalysts, conductive nanocrystalline oxides, and other inorganic materials by various chemical techniques including sol gel, spray pyrolysis, citrate complexation, polymerization, and co-precipitation. Characterized the structure, performance, and stability of the synthesized materials with X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), Infrared Spectroscopy (IR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and Galvanostatic-potentiostatic discharge methods.

Planned and coordinated research activities of a team of chemical and mechanical engineers (4 people) to meet project milestones. Prepared research proposals, technical presentations, and progress reports for government agencies (DOE, OCDO) providing funding. Graduate Researcher Sept 2003 – Dec 2010

The University of Akron, Akron, OH.

Devised a novel approach to synthesize Cu-Ni/YSZ (Yttria Stabilized Zirconia) anode electrodes via electroless deposition of Cu reagents on Ni/YSZ cermets, producing solid oxide fuel cells anodes that exhibit high catalytic activity for direct electrochemical oxidation of hydrocarbon fuels (methane, natural gas, coal gas) and improved resistance to deactivation due to carbon deposition (i.e., coking).

Studied the performance and stability of Cu-Ni/YSZ anode electrodes during direct electrochemical oxidation of methane and natural gas on a solid oxide fuel cell, achieving high energy efficiency and negligible deactivation due to carbon deposition for + 500 h of continuous operation.

Investigated the activity of TiO2, Pt/TiO2 and Cu/TiO2 photocatalysts for oxidation of aldehydes and primary alcohols. Implemented a novel instrumentation methodology that allowed simultaneous monitoring of IR active reaction intermediates and photogenerated electrons under reaction conditions. Indentified O2 adsorption to be the rate-limiting step during ethanol photo oxidation, controlling accumulation of photogenerated electrons and formation of acetate and formate species.

Synthesized nanocrystalline cerium doped oxides by precipitation/immobilization methods (i.e., co- precipitation, citrate-pechini, combustion) producing materials with controlled microstructure, high conductivity, and catalytic oxidation activity.

Synthesized titanium-containing mesoporous thin film materials by sol-gel methods. Characterized thin films structure and catalytic activity by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electrode Microscopy (SEM) Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Spectroscopy (DRIFTS), and Ultraviolet – Visible Spectroscopy (UV-Vis). PUBLICATIONS

F. Guzman, S.C Chuang, C. Yan; Industrial & Eng. Chemistry Research (2013) 52, 61-65.

T. Siengchum, F. Guzman, S. Chuang; Journal of Power Sources (2012) 213, 375-381.

F. Guzman, R. Singh, S. Chuang. Energy & Fuels (2011) 25 (5) 2179-2186.

F. Guzman, S. Chuang; J. of the American Chemical Society (2010) 132 (5) 1502-1503.

R. Singh, F. Guzman, R. Khatri, S. Chuang; Energy & Fuels (2010) 24 (2) 1176-1183.

S. Chuang, F. Guzman; Topics in Catalysis (2009) 52-10-144*-****.

F. Guzman, S. Chuang; Chem. Ind., 106. Catalysis of Organic Reactions (2008) 463-472. PROFFESIONAL AFFILIATIONS

American Chemical Society (ACS)

North American Catalysis Society (NACS)

LANGUAGES

English

Spanish (Native)

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