Sibo Wang Receives FEI Fellowship
By: Kelly A. Salzo
Sibo Wang, MSE graduate student
MSE student Sibo Wang, along with 6 other UConn graduate students, were awarded the August 2015 FEI Fellowships. The fellowships are a result of the partnership between UConn and scientific instrument creator FEI to develop a state-of-the-art center for microscopy to be unveiled later this year. Sibo’s fellowship will involve working with Professor Pu-Xian Gao on a project titled, “Nanoarray Monolithic Catalysts.”
Since the performance of nano-array based monolithic catalysts is strongly influenced by the composition, size, shape, and crystal structure of the comprised nano-arrays, the project will investigate the optimization of the catalytic performance of nano-array catalysts by rational material selection, structure design and geometric manipulation of the catalysts. The advanced electron microscopes, such as the High Resolution Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope (STEM), will be fully utilized to investigate the nanoscale or even atomic scale morphology, composition, and interface structures in the synthesized nano-array catalysts that may play critical roles in the demonstrated catalytic performances for CO and hydrocarbon oxidations.
“This fellowship helps me build up my confidence towards my graduate research and future career,” Sibo explains. “Now I know that what I have been doing is considered valuable by others and I believe that I could bring what I learn and what I develop toward practical application to benefit my future career.”
Sibo Wang’s research focuses on the design and synthesis of high performance metal oxide nano-array based catalysts for automotive emission control. Previous research projects he’s been involved with include Scalable Hydrothermal Manufacturing of Nano-array Based Monolithic Catalysts through NSF and Metal Oxide Nano-array Catalysts for Low Temperature Diesel Oxidation sponsored by DOE. Sibo attributes his perseverance, diligence, and innovation to his success so far in the field.
Following graduation, Sibo plans to continue his research with an energy or environmentally relevant company, where he hopes to become a team leader of product research and development. However, if he is able to develop potentially superior technology than what is currently available, he is also open to the idea of starting his own company.
“Materials science and engineering represents the most fundamental science and engineering that supports a variety of technologies in industry,” Sibo says. “Design and enabling of the most suitable materials is the bridge to those revolutionary technologies that may benefit to our society greatly.”
Published: August 14, 2015
Categories: awards, news, undergraduate students
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