Recipient of the H.H. Dow Memorial Student Achievement Award

Chemical engineering graduate student Pongsarun Satjaritanun was just named a national award recipient by the Electrochemical Engineering Society and will be awarded $1,000 toward his education. While he is now a passionate researcher in electrochemistry, the field hasn’t always been easy for him.

So how did this H.H. Dow Memorial Student Achievement Award winner go from failing his undergraduate chemistry class to presenting his research in electrochemistry during the 235th ECS biannual meeting in Dallas, Texas?

Get to know Pongsarun “Boom” Satjaritanun in this week’s student spotlight:

1. What interested you in the field of electrochemical engineering?

I failed my basic chemistry class when I was an undergraduate student because it was very difficult for me to understand many concepts in chemistry, including electrochemistry. The subject was a challenge for me, and as a result it now captivates my interest. I strive each day to further my knowledge of chemistry, particularly electrochemistry.

2. Tell us about your current research.

My current research focuses on:

•  numerical modeling of transport phenomena inside micro- to nano-structured porous materials in fuel cell systems;
• developing a mathematical model for electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to explain the behavior of microbial activities for methane production from organic waste;
• numerical modeling and design optimization of solid particle mixing with contra-rotating impellers; and
• developing simulations of multiphase, reactive flow with vaporization of H2SO4 and SOX in a solar-driven sulfuric acid decomposition reactor.

3. What are your career goals?

My current short-term goal is to graduate soon. My long-term goal is to perform research in academia or industry.

4. Why do you love studying at the University of South Carolina?

Early in 2015, I had the opportunity to do research with USC’s Department of Chemical Engineering as an exchange graduate student from Chiang Mai University, Thailand. I collaborated with undergraduate students, graduate students and professors in several research fields. It was a great experience to work with qualified personnel in a great university, which is why I wanted to study here. I also love southern food, the weather, the people, the Gamecocks and the study environment.