Past Spotlights on Chemical and Biological Engineering
2025
Student highlight
Name: Tofunmi Adeniran
Degree: PhD in Chemical Engineering
Faculty lab: Assistant Professor Nathaniel Eagan
Hometown: Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
Why Tufts?
I discovered Tufts University during a virtual graduate research fair I attended. Initially drawn to the distinctive shade of blue and unique prints associated with its name, I decided to explore the school further. Upon researching Tufts, I found that its chemical engineering program aligns well with my academic and research interests. I was particularly impressed to find professors actively engaged in research areas that resonate with my own. Since joining Tufts, the experience has been great. The small class sizes foster a close-knit community, allowing for meaningful relationships with professors and a personalized learning environment that enhances my academic journey.
Favorite thing about living in the Medford/Somerville and Boston area?
One aspect I particularly like about the Medford/Somerville area is the tranquility and picturesque scenery. The peaceful environment allows me to appreciate the surroundings fully. Additionally, I enjoy the abundance of restaurants, as it provides me with the opportunity to indulge in and explore a variety of new cuisines.
Any advice you’d give to prospective students or new graduate students?
For new or prospective graduate students, establishing connections within the school and program while actively seeking information is crucial. As an international student, I prioritized engagement in events organized by the iCenter [International Center], through which I forged connections with fellow international students in my department. Additionally, I made a conscious effort to ask questions whenever uncertainties arose. I believe that these practices are essential for maximizing the benefits of your graduate school journey.
Faculty highlight
Name: Assistant Professor Nathaniel Eagan
Research interests: Sustainability, experimental heterogeneous catalysis, clean energy, fuels and chemicals, biomass
About Assistant Professor Eagan:
Nathaniel Eagan obtained his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 2014 before pursuing a PhD in Chemical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin, Madison under the direction of Professor George Huber. He earned his PhD in 2019 with a thesis entitled “Catalytic Conversion of Biomass-Derived Platform Molecules to Distillate-Range Fuels.” Eagan then spent one year investigating catalysis by dilute alloys as a postdoctoral associate at Tufts in the IMASC EFRC under the supervision of Maria Flytzani-Stephanopoulos, the Robert and Marcy Haber Endowed Professor in Energy Sustainability, and Charles Sykes, the John Wade Professor of Chemistry, before transferring to Harvard University to continue this work under the supervision of Professor Cynthia Friend and Professor Robert Madix. He returned to the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Tufts as an assistant professor in fall 2021. His research focuses on understanding and developing new catalysts and catalytic processes to sustainably convert abundant waste resources into the fuels and chemicals upon which our society is built. Outside of Tufts, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife Kayla, cat Mira, and puppy Arlo while adventuring throughout New England.
2023
Student highlight
Name: Briana Lino
Degree: PhD in Biotechnology Engineering
Faculty lab: Bright Futures Assistant Professor James Van Deventer
Hometown: Somerville, MA
Why Tufts?
The small class sizes and emphasis on mentorship really drew me in. It was important for me to have that strong sense of community and individual encouragement that Tufts offers, especially when going through a rigorous doctoral degree program. It is clear that the faculty and staff want you to succeed and will go the extra mile to make you feel supported.
Favorite thing about living in the Medford/Somerville and Boston area?
As far as student life, the ability to walk to some fantastic restaurants, museums, parks, etc. really makes weekends and after-hours fun. There is no shortage of things to do in the area. Since the greater Boston area is packed with colleges and universities, many events and local happenings are tailored to students, creating a really unique and exciting environment. Boston also happens to be the top biotech hub in the country so there are also a myriad of networking events and job opportunities waiting for us when we graduate.
Any advice you’d give to prospective students or new graduate students?
Don't be afraid to ask questions! Everyone coming into this program has a different academic and experiential background. I did my undergrad in biochemistry so there was a fair amount of chemical engineering 'common knowledge' I had to make up in my first couple years. The best thing I did was go to office hours (and sometimes request extra!). Professors are so willing to meet you halfway and take the extra time to help you master a concept. You just need to be willing to ask all the questions and speak up if you don't understand something. It will only make you a better student, researcher, and scientist.
I would also recommend getting involved with on campus organizations. I am currently part of the Graduate Student Council, the Tufts Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering Society (BEaChES), and Tufts' chapter of the Graduate Society of Women Engineers (SWE). Through these orgs, I have found a really great community among the graduate students and made so many new friends along the way!
Faculty highlight
Name: Bright Futures Assistant Professor James Van Deventer
Research interests: Synthetic biology, chemical biology, protein engineering, antibody engineering, drug discovery, genetic code expansion, noncanonical amino acids, and tumor microenvironment.
About Professor Van Deventer:
James Van Deventer received his BS in chemical engineering from Stanford University and completed MS and PhD degrees at the California Institute of Technology. He is currently interested in using biomolecular engineering, synthetic biology, and chemical biology to establish new strategies for treating cancer and other complex diseases. His lab group is focused on disrupting enzymatic and signaling processes within the tumor microenvironment. The laboratory is enhancing the chemical versatility of yeast display in order to support the discovery of inhibitors that combine the best properties of chemical compounds and proteins (biologics).
2022
Student highlight
Name: Matthew Bliss
Degree: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering
Faculty lab: Assistant Professor Nav Nidhi Rajput
Hometown: Tewksbury, MA
Why Tufts?
My advisor and I shared similar interests in my research topic.
Favorite thing about living in the Medford/Somerville and Boston area?
Although I commute to campus, I've found several good, inexpensive places to get food near Tufts.
Any advice you’d give to prospective students or new graduate students?
For any prospective students, I would say to keep in mind what you want to do after you graduate, and plan accordingly. It is easy to get lost in day-to-day tasks without sparing any thought to what happens 4 or 5 years from now.
Faculty highlight
Name: Assistant Professor Nav Nidhi Rajput
Research interests: Molecular simulation, theoretical material science, supercomputing, renewable energy applications, and synthesis-structure-property relationships.
About Professor Rajput:
Nav Nidhi Rajput's graduate research focused on molecular dynamics studies of ionic liquids (ILs) confined inside nanoporous materials for applications in electrochemistry. Following the completion of her Ph.D. from Louisiana State University, she worked as a postdoctoral research associate in the Energy Technologies Area Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, California. There, she worked on developing infrastructure for high-throughput computations for the joint Center for Energy Storage (JCESR) and Electrolyte Genome, which is a coupled first-principle and classical molecular dynamics code-base for rapid understanding and design of optimal electrolytes.
Note: Professor Rajput now teaches at Stony Brook University.