The Philadelphia Section of the STLE is pleased to award a $1,000 scholarship to Bradie S. Crandall, a fourth-year graduate student in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. Working under the direction of Feng Jiao and Yushan Yan, Crandall’s research explores the conversion of captured CO2 to carbon nanotubes. The process uses an electrochemical process to convert the CO2 to CO which is then catalytically converted to carbon nanotubes using an inexpensive steel catalyst. His work on CO2 upgrading has previously been published with two other manuscripts in preparation. Crandall’s accomplishments have been recognized by multiple awards and fellowships, such as the DENIN Environmental Fellowship (2022), the Axalta Bright Futures Scholarship (2022), and the UD Green Hen Student Award of Excellence in Sustainability (2023).
Crandall has played a central role in multiple collaborative efforts on developing sustainable chemical production processes between national laboratories, other universities, and industry partners relatively early on in his PhD. Despite the challenges he has faced, Crandall has consistently delivered quality work that exceeds expectations with a smile on his face. His versatile skillset and adaptability have allowed him to work on projects ranging from fundamental catalysis, applied engineering, and technoeconomic modeling. These experiences have granted him the ability to approach problems from multiple angles while striving to use his research to improve society by addressing critical environmental challenges.
Crandall was elected to serve as the University of Delaware Graduate Student Government Senator for the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. He has also demonstrated leadership outside of the laboratory on the UD Sustainability Council, the Biden Institute Student Advisory Council, and as Chair of the Graduate Student Government Sustainability Committee. These activities have contributed to his leadership abilities and astute understanding of broader real-world challenges.