Nicole Berge: Hydrothermal Carbonization, Working with Trash, and Making Energy from Waste

09/30/19 • 13 min

UofSC Civil and Environmental Engineering Associate Professor Nicole Berge joins Host Abe Danaher to tell how her research on hydrothermal carbonization is allowing for waste to be converted into energy and fertilizers. Nicole begins by sharing how she got into researching landfills as an undergraduate (2:01), before explaining what her current research on trash aims to do (4:10). Next, she explains how close we are to using her technology widely in the US (7:25) and the reactions of her students when they hear they have to work with waste (9:34). Lastly, Abe does the "Beyond the CV" segment and learns all about Nicole's three dogs (11:41).
The music for this episode was graciously provided by Columbia's own, "No Way Jose!"

Previous Episode

Mike Sutton: Starting a Company, Digital Image Correlation, and the Power of Perseverance

UofSC Mechanical Engineering Distinguished Professor Mike Sutton joins Host Abe Danaher to tell the story of how the now international company Correlated Solutions Incorporated began and about the digital image correlation technology that he helped create. Mike begins with how NASA and UofSC didn't want to patent his technology (2:45), which forced him to start Correlated Solutions in 1997 (4:03). Then, Mike explains what it was like to start the company in Columbia, South Carolina (10:47). Next, Mike explains where the digital image correlation technology is going (19:10) before emphasizing the importance of perseverance in all aspects of life (21:04). Lastly, Abe does the "Beyond the CV" segment and gets a really interesting answer from Mike about his favorite hobby, terrascaping (24:04).
The music for this episode was graciously provided by Columbia's own, "No Way Jose!"

Next Episode

John Monnier: Working in Industry, Bimetallic Catalysts, and Researching Until He Dies

UofSC Chemical Engineering Professor John Monnier joins host Abe Danaher to tell about his journey from industry to the university and his now successful quest to create bimetallic catalysts. First, John explains the practical applications that both catalysis and engineering have (4:06) and how the industry evolved during his 32 years in it (8:33). Then, he explains his realization that everything that could be done with single metal catalysts had been done (11:46) and his ensuing decision to pursue bimetallic catalysts (14:21). Very importantly, John describes what catalysts are and why they are important to our everyday lives (15:24) and how he actually was successful in making a bimetallic catalyst (17:51). Lastly, he discusses how he now gauges his own success off the success of his students (35:38) and what the future holds for his already illustrious career (36:52).
The music for this episode was graciously provided by Columbia's own, "No Way Jose!"