Researchers at the University of Kentucky play a pivotal role in finding solutions to meet the needs of the Commonwealth and the nation.
Much of that work to advance science is done with funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
Eduardo Santillan-Jimenez, Ph.D., is associate director of UK's Center for Applied Energy Research (CAER) and an adjunct assistant professor in the UK College of Arts and Sciences' Department of Chemistry.
Using advanced chemistry, his research focuses on turning unwanted cheap or waste oils from algae, plants or used cooking grease into less-polluting fuels that can directly replace gasoline, diesel or jet fuel. It's the goal of the Sustainable and Alternative Fuels Research Group at CAER.
Santillan-Jimenez is also passionate about training the next generation of scientists. That effort is greatly supported by NSF, DOD and DOE.
"My work strives to transform Kentucky's and the nation's human and natural resources into the next generation of STEM professionals and energy forms, respectively," said Santillan-Jimenez. "My hope is that this work continues. Research has been shown to have one of the greatest returns on investment since it results not only in new technologies, but also in workforce and economic development."
Santillan-Jimenez and other members of our research community shared the importance of this federally funded research at UK. Learn more about the impactful work done in this video series from Research Communications.
Research in the news:
- CAER, chemistry researchers awarded US Department of Energy grant to develop biofuel technology
- CAER, State Energy & Environment Cabinet launch sustainable aviation fuel study
- CAER's Santillan-Jimenez receives Fulbright Specialist Award
