Greg Sirokman, Professor, Chemistry

Scholarly activity conducted under my guidance has been focused on biodiesel production. A biodiesel processor has been in various states of construction and function for several years on campus operating under my auspices. The project has focused on student design and student operation. For various reasons, including lack of funding, the project has been an on and off. The Francis A. Sagan Professorship has given this project new life.

With funds from the Francis A. Sagan Professorship, I was able to engage several students directly in the running of the biodiesel processor. This has allowed me to engage students in a broader way with the project, not only the students working on it directly, but also students in introductory classes can see a living project on a tour of the facility. The funds have created learning opportunities for students looking for projects, and made the facility more vibrant and visible for students whose interest it may spark.

The funds have also allowed for some improvements to the processor that required an influx of cash. Further, we were able to make necessary repairs as several components (mainly pumps) had come to the end of their operational life. Being able to make these repairs is critical in the continued operation of the facility, and would have been impossible without the Sagan Professorship. I was also planning infrastructural improvements to the facility that I have delayed pursuing as the Covid-19 pandemic has had an impact on that aspect of my work.