Chemical Engineering Engineer

RAVINDER GARLAPALLI

*** ******** ***, ***# *, Lexington, KY- 40508 Email: acp8du@r.postjobfree.com Phone: 304-***-****

OBJECTIVE: Chemical Engineer seeking an opportunity in R&D/Process engineering role where

my diverse skills will be utilized to the advantage of the company

EDUCATION:

Ph.D. Candidate, Chemical Engineering, University of Kentucky – GPA: 3.80 (expected 2015)

Master of Science, Chemical Engineering, West Virginia University – GPA: 3.75 August 2010

Bachelor of Technology, Chemical Engineering, Osmania University, India, April 2006

CERTIFICATION: Engineer in Trainee (EIT/FE), State of West Virginia

EXPERIENCE:

Aug 2010 – Current

Graduate Research Assistant

University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY

Engineering of Biomass Saccharification by Cellulase Enzymes for Bioethanol Production

Synthesized model cellulose thin films with different surface morphology and crystallinity

to investigate the catalytic performance of cellulases/cellulosomes.

Investigated the role of non-ionic surfactant Tween-80 on cellulose and lignin films to

reduce non-productive cellulase binding and enhance cellulase activity.

Developed mechanistic kinetic models based on surface interactions of cellulases with

biomass surfaces to estimate kinetic parameters by fitting to experimental data.

Mesoporous Titania Films for Applications in Solar Energy Conversion

Synthesized mesoporous titania films with orthogonally oriented cylindrical nanoscale

architecture using evaporation induced self-assembly method.

Studied the effect of pore orientation on mesostructural stability and crystallization of titania

thin films with 2D-HCP mesostructure.

Collaborated across research groups to investigate the pore orientation effects using

advanced X-ray scattering techniques at Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Lab

(Lemont, IL).

Teaching assistant appointments: Chemical Reactor Design, Computational Tools for

Chemical Engineering and Polymer Materials.

May 2014 – Aug 2014

R&D Intern

Novozymes, Franklinton, NC

Optimized process conditions of a new enzyme cocktail for biomass hydrolysis.

Performed design and scale-up of biomass hydrolysis experiments to study the effects of

various biomass pretreatments and process variables for efficient hydrolysis.

Developed a method for yeast propagation in kettle reactors.

Maintained and updated Standard Operating Procedures and Standard Practices.

May 2007 – Aug 2010

Graduate Research Assistant

West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV

Developed a new process for extraction of copper from chalcopyrite with sodium hypochlorite

using hydrometallurgy principles (M.S. Thesis).

Worked as Research Engineer in Carbon Products Group at WVU. Operated pilot scale coal

conversion process unit to produce synthetic crude oil and metallurgical grade coke, and

optimized the process to achieve best possible yield.

Coordinated with a team of engineers (ChemTech Inc, PA) in design of commercial

demonstration unit and developed PFD’s and P&ID’s.

SKILLS:

Working knowledge of analytical and characterization tools

UV-Vis, FTIR, TGA, Ellipsometry, X-ray diffraction, Protein assays, Gel-electrophoresis,

DSC, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Quartz crystal microbalance with

dissipation monitoring (QCM-D), Atomic force microscopy (AFM), Scanning electron

microscopy (SEM), Nitrogen adsorption (BET) and HPLC

Experience in using programming and simulation tools – Minitab, Matlab, and Aspen Plus

Proficient with MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Safety oriented, excellent communication and presentation skills

HONORS & AFFILIATIONS:

Recipient of BIACS Shashi Sathaye memorial scholarship – 2013

Recipient of best chemical engineering poster award, University of Kentucky -2012

Member of American Institute of Chemical Engineers and Graduate student chapter MACE -

UKY

References, list of Publications and Presentations available upon request

Willing to relocate

Contact this candidate