Each year, The University of Tulsa fosters on-campus research and academic excellence through a multitude of grants, scholarships, and fellowships available to students. One of those is the Francis Manning Undergraduate Research Grant, and this year, the Russell School of Chemical Engineering has selected four outstanding students as recipients: Christopher Lollis (sophomore), Tristan Parrington (junior), Sable Phillips (sophomore), and Mia Sisul (senior).
Lollis’ research utilizes small angle x-ray scattering to examine the flow of worm-like micelle solutions in glass micro-capillaries. His purpose is to measure structural changes in fluids in order to better understand the physics and behaviors of complex fluids such as laundry detergents.
Parrington’s research will focus on how the interaction between natural gas hydrates and paraffin wax disrupts the smooth flow of natural gas. In doing so, he hopes to develop strategies to ensure reliable and efficient transportation of natural gas, which is critical for energy needs.
Philips’ research will investigate hemp waste-derived bio-adsorbents for contaminants in oil. Bio-adsorbents are more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than conventional adsorbents, which makes this research crucial for the removal of contaminants in oil that cause scaling.
Sisul’s research involves testing the corrosion-resistant properties of graphene, a sheet of carbon on 1-5 atoms thick, when it’s coated onto metal samples. Using electrochemical measuring devices, as well as measuring their gradual weight loss when immersed in saltwater, she’ll determine the corrosion rates of different graphene-coated metals.
The Francis Manning Undergraduate Research Grant is named in honor of Francis S. Manning, professor emeritus of chemical engineering at TU. An internationally renowned scholar in petroleum and natural gas processing, Manning taught for 50 years before retiring in 2018.