Category: Uncategorized

Author: Jiahui Hou

Advisor: Yan Wang

Category: Graduate

Abstract: As the economy started to recover from the COVID pandemic, the price of Li2CO3 skyrocketed to its highest. This situation has aggravated concerns about the supply chain for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Recycling spent LIBs is a potential solution to alleviate the bottleneck of the supply chain and prevent environmental pollution, and has attracted lots of attention. However, lithium recycling is generally disregarded because of the complex recycling process and its low recycling efficiency. Here, in this work we developed a sustainable lithium recovery process, which can selectively leach and recover lithium with formic acid before recycling valuable metals. With the reported method, lithium can be 99.8% recovered from layered oxide cathode materials with 99.994% purity. In addition, this lithium recovery process is affordable, compared to the typical hydrometallurgical process, by saving 11.15% per kilogram of spent LIBs. Therefore, this research provided a new solution to eliminating the effects of lithium ions on valuable metal separation and the co-precipitation reaction and precluding the influence of other metal ions on lithium recovery. This simplified lithium recovery process provides new opportunities for sustainable recycling of LIBs and economical restoration of the lithium supply chain.

UN SDGs:

SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

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GR 03 – Green closed-loop process – Jiahui_Hou

Author: Itamar Harris

Advisor: Jamal Yagoobi

Category: Graduate

Abstract: Industrial drying is one of the most energy-intensive processes across key sectors such as food, paper, and chemicals. To meet sustainability goals and reduce energy consumption, this project explores laser technology as a novel drying method offering precision, speed, and efficiency. This work began with the design and development of a laser drying setup at the Center for Advanced Research in Drying (CARD), WPI. Experimental studies using sugar cookie dough as an initial product demonstrated uniform energy distribution, rapid moisture removal, and temperature control without surface degradation. Preliminary results indicate potential for energy savings and carbon footprint reduction. This project highlights the promise of lasers in advancing decarbonization efforts and supporting the shift toward sustainable industrial drying.

UN SDGs:

SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

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GR 02 – Laser Technology for Sustainable Drying _Harris_2025

Author: Panya Thanwisai

Advisor: Prof. Yan Wang

Category: Graduate

Abstract: We propose a low temperature electrolysis to produce iron from metal industrial wastes. Compared to conventional iron production, this process works at 10x lower temperature with 50% lower energy usage and no direct CO2 emission. Moreover, the use of industry wastes as a feed material can strengthen the domestic supply chain and enhance national resource security by reducing the reliance on imported raw materials and steel.

UN SDGs:

SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy

SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

SDG 13 – Climate Action

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GR 01 – Sustainable Iron Production – Thanwisai

 

Authors: Peter Poulos, Grady Howell, Konstantinos Sarantopoulos

Advisors: Adam Powell

Category:  Undergraduate – MQP

Abstract: My MQP focuses on developing a high-energy-density magnesium-air battery as a sustainable alternative to conventional marine fuels, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in maritime shipping. I conducted stakeholder interviews, cost modeling, and experimental testing to evaluate feasibility, optimize performance, and assess scalability. This research highlights both the technical challenges and commercial potential of magnesium-air batteries, contributing to clean energy solutions for the shipping industry.

UN SDGs:

SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy

SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

SDG 13 – Climate Action

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UG 13 – High Energy Density Magnesium – Poulos

Authors: Lottie McLeod, Oliver Nosal, Aseel Kambal

Advisors: Suzanne LePage,Stephen McCauley

Category:  Undergraduate – MQP

Abstract: This study analyzes the current bus service system of the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) within the City of Worcester, Massachusetts. The primary objective is to derive insights from various analyses, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and first-person reviews, to enhance the system’s efficiency and usability. The main focus is on improving service for transit-dependent patrons in Worcester.

UN SDGs:

SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth

SDG 10 – Reduce Inequalities

SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

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UG 15 – Redesigning_Bus_Transit_in_Worcester – McLeod

Authors: Brandon Yeu, Antonio Aguiar, Jeffrey Brady, Robert Shumway

Advisors: Uma Kumar, Douglas Creed

Category:  Undergraduate – IQP

Abstract: Extreme heat is Australia’s most deadly natural hazard — known as the ‘silent killer,’ it causes more fatalities than all other natural hazards combined in the country. For our project, we located hotspots, identified priority areas for intervention, based on social demographics, and developed GIS heat maps, an interactive visual library, and AI tool. Using our deliverables, we determined fine-grained measures for locating hotspots and proposed predictive modeling to analyze effects of urban heat islands, enabling the City of Melbourne to make more informed decisions about high-heat interventions.

UN SDGs:

SDG 3 – Good Health and Well Being

SDG 10 – Reduce Inequalities

SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

SDG 13 – Climate Action

 

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UG 12 – Hotspots and Cool Corridors – Yeu

Authors: Katelyn Beirne, Jacob Friend, Anthony Previte

Advisors: Chun-Kit Ngan,Stephen McCauley

Category:  Undergraduate – MQP

Abstract: This Major Qualifying Project aims to enhance urban navigation and climate resilience by developing a ‘cool route’ application that guides pedestrians along the most thermally comfortable walking paths. The app integrates shade cover, temperature heatmaps, travel time, and distance to optimize routes using a cost-distance algorithm. The findings highlight the importance of climate-conscious planning in urban mobility.

UN SDGs:

SDG 3 – Good Health and Well Being

SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

SDG 13 – Climate Action

 

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UG 11 – Advancing Climate Resilience – Beime

Authors: Josephine Fazio, Emily Graves, Abigail Morris, Sydney Kerivan

Advisors: Jeanine Dudle

Category:  Undergraduate – MQP

Abstract: This project examines the feasibility of phytoremediation to improve the water quality of Salisbury Pond in Worcester, MA, to address elevated contaminant concentrations and aesthetic concerns. Community feedback and a cost analysis revealed phytoremediation to be a viable and socially supported solution. Technical results show promise for feasibility but necessitate further research to refine plant selection and evaluate long-term efficacy.

UN SDGs:

SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation

SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

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Authors: Corinne Lobecker, Kalandra Andersen, Eve Martineau, Joshua Solomon 

Advisors: Dr. Caitlin Ferrarini, Dr. Holly K Ault

Category:  Undergraduate – IQP

Abstract: This project aimed to identify a reliable organizational structure to support and promote sustainability and economic growth within the communities along the trail. To achieve this goal, we interviewed a lawyer and the former director of the Sendero Pacífico organization, surveyed the organization’s Ambassadors, and met with two women who lead associations along the trail. Through our research, we made recommendations for the most suitable organizational structure options, which included an association and a cooperative. We also outlined optimal positions within the organization, such as a board of directors, an executive director, and multiple chair positions designated for specific tasks. Additionally, we identified key priorities and actions necessary to move forward.

UN SDGs:

SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth

SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

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UG 09 – Optimizing Org Structure – Lobecker

Authors: Qixing Xue

Advisors: Fabricio Murai, Ermal Toto

Category:  Undergraduate – IQP

Abstract: High performance computing (HPC) is nowadays paramount for training accurate deep learning models and creating scientific breakthroughs, meanwhile its ecological impact is gaining concerns, and user education of proper cluster usage is vital for improving energy efficiency. With one prevailing misusage being computing resource underutilization, which is less observable in HPC for lacking interactive access to compute nodes, users and admins need a way to see the problem and gain awareness, which is currently in absence. This project implements a data pipeline that encompasses data collection, cluster sampling, and email and web reporting, which has helped users to better see issues in their jobs and has aided admins in better supporting users during the half-year deployment on WPI cluster.

UN SDGs:

SDG 9 –  Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

SDG 13 – Climate Action

 

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UG 08 – Improving Computing Efficiency – Xue