Dr. Manish Shetty, assistant professor in the Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M University, is the recipient of the Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award.
"When I look at previous years' awardees and their career trajectory, it gives me promise," said Shetty. "I thank everyone associated with my work for the confidence in my abilities, background and potential to participate in groundbreaking science."
The ORAU awards are presented to young faculty members furthering the advancement of science and engineering-related fields. As a competitive research award, the ORAU will provide a $5,000 grant that the university will match.
Shetty will use the grant to progress his research ventures, which focus on using catalysts in sustainable applications and green energy solutions. He is currently developing a novel catalyst inside microporous materials capable of converting carbon dioxide into hydrocarbon fuels. This process could potentially limit the number of necessary chemical reactions and limit separations.
"I will use this award to further my vision of a greener world in the energy transition industry," he said. "I hope to positively influence my research group here and Texas A&M as a whole."