I've been teaching Green Chemical and Energy Technologies for over 20 years now -- in collaboration with Syed Mubeen and Greg Carmichael (who started the course, as Green Engineering).
The student learning that happens in the capstone project is one of the highlights of my career as an educator. Check out these project titles from years past (updated through the Spring 2023 offering). The most recent projects are in italics -- you can see student interests shifting over time.
Energy
- The Natrium / Terrapower Project
- The Comparison of Wind-Generated Energy and Hydroelectric Energy Production and Their Effects on The Environment
- Methane IR Cameras – A Holy Grail?
- Microturbines that run off of gas from pressure relief valves
- Multi-impact LCA comparison of natural gas and coal-fired electricity
- Energy and GHG Analysis of Waste to Energy (WTE) Power Plants
- Solar and wind-generated electricity sources will be analyzed for pollution, cost, efficiency, and practicality.
- The GREET Model of a Li-Ion Battery
- The End of Life and Recyclability of PV Solar Panels
- Energy Grids: Revamped - (Environmental Impact of “Smart Grid” vs. Traditional Grid)
- Greenhouse Gas Emission, Toxin Production, and Land Degradation Comparison of Solar Photovoltaic to Solar Thermal Power Generation
- Nuclear Energy LCA
Analysis and Virtual Tour of University of Iowa Power Plant
Transportation
- Biodiesel, Renewable Diesel, and the GREET Model
- Feasibility Analysis of Hydrogen Needed to Power Heavy Duty Vehicles in Iowa City’s Fleet
- Life Cycle Analysis of GM Chevy Volt and Toyota Prius
- Envisioning a Biofuel Based Transportation Economy for Iowa
- Is traveling by air greener than traveling by car?
- Fuel Cell vs. Electric Automobiles and Factors Impacting Market Size
- LCA Comparison Between Detachable Power Battery and Ultra-High Voltage Charging
- Reduction of Iowa City’s CO2 Emissions Through Electric Vehicle
- Environmental Impact of Autonomous Driving
- Tesla Model 3 and Chevrolet Malibu: A Life Cycle Analysis
Charging Infrastructure Options for BEV
Waste and Recycling
- Environmental analysis of a Revolving Algal Biofilm system for wastewater treatment
- Comparing Waste Disposal Options at Iowa City P&G Oral Care
- Life Cycle Analysis of Lead-Acid Batteries with a Focus on Recycling
- Environmental comparison of disposal methods for standard PE and biodegradable plastic bags
- Evaluation of Iowa City Waste Management Efficiency
Environmental Impact Comparison of plastic, recycled plastic, glass, and aluminum
Fuels and Chemicals and Manufacturing
- SSAB Steel, Montpelier Works -- Tour and Investigation into Sustainability
- Comparison of Crop-Based Biofuels, Using On-Site Plant Visit(s)
- Bio-ammonia and regular ammonia
- Ethanol vs. Butanol as a Preferred Alternative Fuel Source
- Comparison of recycled and virgin polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
- Formalin Production Life Cycle Assessment
- Environmental Impacts of Styrene Production
Comparison of Ethanol Production for Fuel Use in Brazil (sugar cane) and United States (corn)
Food and Consumer Products
- Mitigation of Agricultural Methane
- Comparison of Printed and Electronic Documents
- Analysis of Greenhouse and Open Land Roma Tomato Production
- Carbon footprint comparison - buying presents at the mall vs online and shipping
- GHG inventory comparison for a microbrewery versus a national brewery
- Key factors in the environmental friendliness of alcoholic beverages
- Environmental Impact Comparison of Dairy, Soy, and/or Almond Milks
- Environmental impact comparison of the vegan diet compared to standard American diet