Name: Chiara Bruzzi; Institution: University of Pennsylvania; Program: Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship (MLEF) Program; Education Level: Undergraduate Student
September 17, 2024
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Chiara Bruzzi is a rising senior at the University of Pennsylvania, where she is earning her bachelor’s degree in materials science and engineering and matriculating in a master’s in materials science engineering. This summer, she is learning about carbon capture at the National Energy Technology Laboratory’s (NETL) site in Pittsburgh. She is studying the capturing properties of different mixtures of calcium oxide with ferric oxide.
Carbon capture is one of the most important aspects of FECM’s mission to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Chiara’s project aims to determine the thermodynamic properties of these calcium oxide compounds and test their carbon capture properties to obtain the operational temperature range based on the gas pressure versus temperature.
Entering college, Chiara knew her passion for STEM and desire to focus on climate justice would lead her down the right path. As she completed labs and worked on complex computations and theories, she fell in love with both the grit and creativity needed to excel in a STEM environment. She drives to stay curious and to keep learning, especially in the realm of carbon capture, which is what compelled her to apply for the MLEF program. Chiara’s natural curiosity also compels her to continue pursuing her education, as she plans to complete a PhD after graduating.
Chiara’s passionate nature extends beyond academia. She has been sailing since she was 6 years old! She even competitively sails at her university. Chiara also enjoys traveling, walking, and spending valuable time with her friends and family.