UROP Project
Production of Membrane Manifold for Water Quality Testing
Environmental Engineering, Water Treatment, Filtration
Research Mentor: Jeffrey Farner, He/Him
Department, College, Affiliation: Civil and Environmental Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: jmf23i@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Deanna Delgado
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: dmd25e@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Civil and Environmental Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: jmf23i@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Deanna Delgado
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: dmd25e@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Environmental Engineering & Mechanical Engineering, Open to all majors
Project Location: FAMU-FSU College of Engineering - Innovation Park (Engineering Campus) & Centennial Building, 2077 E Paul Dirac Dr
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Can take the FSU shuttle to CoE building and walk across Engineering campus (~ 10 min). If the RA has a car, there is available parking at the Centennial building (no permit required). Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10, depending on research progress., Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Environmental Engineering & Mechanical Engineering, Open to all majors
Project Location: FAMU-FSU College of Engineering - Innovation Park (Engineering Campus) & Centennial Building, 2077 E Paul Dirac Dr
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Can take the FSU shuttle to CoE building and walk across Engineering campus (~ 10 min). If the RA has a car, there is available parking at the Centennial building (no permit required). Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10, depending on research progress., Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Tuesday, September 1
Start Time: 12:00
End Time: 1:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/4681056490?omn=94664593930
Project Description
Plastics introduced into the environment are exposed to factors like UV radiation, physical abrasion, and elevated temperatures. These weathering processes alter the physical and chemical composition of the plastic surface, leading to the release of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs). Existing at diameters small enough to travel through the pore space in sand and soils, MNPs are observed in surface waters, groundwaters, and drinking water.The goal of this project is to produce and test a filtration setup (manifold) for advanced water treatment. The UROP RA will be directly involved in design, construction, and testing (leak checking, flow monitoring, etc.) the initial construction. Following successful production, the manifold will be tested for flow and contaminant removal. This is part of a larger project looking at micro- and nano plastic removal due to advanced water treatment methods.
Research Tasks: The UG RA will be involved in all aspects of the project: experimental setup, data collection, analysis, and results communication. Tasks will include CAD design, manufacturing, assembly, and production of a filtration system, in manifold, tubing, pumps, reservoir, etc. Following production, the system will be tested for integrity and to determine flow and pressure capabilities. Concurrent with this, a literature review will be performed to better place this work in the context of the current state of the science.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: We're looking for curious students with attention to detail and an interest in physically producing a filtration system. An ability to troubleshoot and critically review any issues is important in any lab setting. As this will be working directly under a PhD student and within the wider culture of a lab group, interpersonal skills and communication are necessary skills.
Mentoring Philosophy
My goal for my students is that their research be influential to the scientific community and relevant to society, that their studies benefit their understanding of the field and equip them for their careers, and that their experiences deepen their understanding of themselves and the world around them. Beyond simply collecting data, students learn how to formulate questions, independently solve problems, interpret and analyze that data, and communicate their findings to others.Input from, and exchange with, colleagues is a critical aspect of student development. To foster collaboration and open communication, weekly group meetings include brief presentations detailing current research successes, techniques, and failures. By regularly presenting in a low-stakes environment, students become comfortable articulating the complexity of scientific research, as well as receiving and responding to feedback.
UGs in my lab work closely with a graduate student. I am directly involved in project development and meet regularly with UGs both in group settings and individually, but the MS/PhD is the contact for day-to-day activities. Upon joining the lab, students and I discuss their project, including the context and value of the research, expectations for both of us, and anticipated deliverables. Each student completes required departmental safety trainings and a research group-specific orientation before working in the laboratory. As the PI, my responsibility is primarily to support and encourage students in their development. My goal for UGs is that they learn techniques, gain laboratory experience and confidence, and inspire a love of research and science communication.