Dr. Eduardo Wolf

Abstract:
How to summarize one’s four-decade journey as a university professor in 40 minutes? This presentation will highlight my teaching and research on selective topics in Catalysis and reaction Engineering, my research with model catalysts such as single crystals, films, and molecular clusters and how such results have led to the recent concept of operando characterization.

I will also describe unique computer simulations involving special reactors and software, as well as our group’s Monte Carlo simulations of surface reactions on 3D crystallites. All of the PhD students that I have directed were required to develop computer simulations of their reaction-reactor systems.

I will touch upon developments in my teaching methods involving computer technology, and the special characteristics of the main courses taught in Transport Phenomena, Catalysis, and Reaction Engineering, in which I emphasize connections with research. This includes a special interdisciplinary International Summer course on Global Sustainability and the relevance of these results and topics to current world affairs regarding consumption and resource balance.

I will conclude with my experiences in the fun part of academic life, which provides the opportunity to find new understanding in my field as well as of other cultures.  I will share my thoughts on the rich resources available here ND that makes life diverse and enjoyable.
 

Biography:
Eduardo E. Wolf received his PhD from UC Berkeley and came to Notre Dame as an Assistant Professor in 1975. He was named the Anthony Earley Professor of Energy and the Environment in 2013. His research areas include heterogeneous catalysis, photocatalysis, hydrogen generation, and reaction generation.

This seminar is hosted by the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Notre Dame.

Please see the Dr. Eduardo Wolf flyer for more information.