Tennessee Tech students excel at prestigious AIChE National Meeting
Sahera Abumariam won first place in her category for her research on microplastics
in wastewater treatment plants.
Tennessee Tech graduate students Sahera Abumariam and Shafieh Karami recently represented the university on a national stage at the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) National Meeting in San Diego. As one of the most prestigious events for chemical engineers, the annual meeting draws participants from around the United States to exchange ideas and present groundbreaking research.
This event spanned five days and featured workshops, presentations and networking opportunities. While this was Karami’s third time attending, it was Abumariam’s first national meeting.
“It was a lot of fun,” Abumariam said. “I made a lot of connections. It was nice to meet people who were following the same path as I am, and it was nice to learn about other different paths that I can take.”
Karami agreed. “The most rewarding part was definitely the networking,” she said. “Meeting people from various fields within chemical engineering and learning about the cutting-edge research happening at other universities is so inspiring. It broadens my perspective and gives me fresh ideas for my own work.”
Shafieh Karami presented her research on improving how engineers are trained to solve
real-world problems.
Both students presented their research in the organization’s poster competition.
Abumariam’s research examined how microplastics travel through the Cookeville Wastewater
Treatment Plant and whether the treatment processes successfully remove them. These
particles, which often come from household and industrial waste, are small enough
to escape standard filtration systems, posing risks to ecosystems and human health.
Abumariam analyzed samples from various treatment stages using specialized methods
to identify and measure the microplastics, contributing to a better understanding
of how to address this growing environmental issue. Her work earned first place in
the Environmental Division.
"My research uses the Renaissance Foundry Model, developed at Tennessee Tech by a
group of scholars led by my research advisor, that integrates design thinking approaches.
Dr. Andrea Arce-Trigatti (assistant professor of curriculum and instruction in the
College of Education and Human Sciences) has been very helpful with mentoring and
guidance to apply the model. I would like to add a special thanks to her for the support
she has given us throughout the preparation for the conference.”
Karami, presenting in the Education Division, focused her research on improving how
engineers are trained to solve real-world problems. She presented her work on collaborative
learning models which help students develop technical skills alongside teamwork and
critical thinking. The aim is to better prepare engineers to tackle complex, community-centered
challenges. Her research shows how innovative teaching methods can prepare engineers
to tackle sustainability and interdisciplinary challenges.
“I also would like to thank Dr. Arce-Trigatti for her invaluable guidance in shaping
my research,” Karami added. “Her expertise and the insights she shared inspired this
research and provided the foundation for my work. Her mentorship played a pivotal
role in enabling me to present this research at AIChE 2024.”
Both students additionally thanked their advisor, Pedro Arce, Ph.D., chemical engineering professor and University Distinguished Faculty Fellow, as well as the College of Engineering for helping them get to the AIChE National Meeting and preparing them for the presentations they gave while there.
“The mentorship and training I received from Dr. Arce over the past couple of years while conducting research with him thoroughly prepared me for this presentation, " Abumariam said.
“Tennessee Tech has been instrumental in my growth as a researcher,” Karami added.
“The mentorship I’ve received from my advisor, Dr. Pedro Arce, has been transformative.
He’s encouraged me to think critically, explore interdisciplinary approaches and communicate
my work effectively. Tech’s supportive environment has also prepared me to engage
confidently in national platforms like AIChE.”
Both students expressed their gratitude for Tech’s resources such as the Water Center
and the Center of Energy and Systems Research for supporting their research efforts.
Looking to the future, both students plan to continue making an impact in chemical
engineering. Abumariam is pursuing a Ph.D. in engineering with a concentration in
chemical engineering and is exploring a career in process engineering or research
and development. Karami hopes to focus on sustainability challenges while mentoring
the next generation of engineers.
The students also encouraged fellow Tech students to seize similar opportunities, even though such large events may seem intimidating at first.
“Don’t let fear hold you back from attending,” Abumariam said. “Be confident and have a good time. Don’t overthink it.”
“Don’t hesitate to put yourself out there,” Karami agreed. “Engage with your professors and advisors; they’re incredible resources who can guide you toward opportunities you might not even know exist.”