Event Recap: University of Chicago’s Industry Networks Day 2024

Author: Ajay V.

Industry Networks Day 2024 highlighted the growing efforts in sustainability across Chicago and beyond, with a focus on research at the 美国芝加哥大学 ?and the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering at the University of Chicago . Designed to inspire innovating discussions, the two-day event revealed pathways to potential collaboration, encouraging participants to think creatively about sustainable solutions.

I’m often asked how molecular engineering connects to sustainability, and the answer lies in the innovative ways we can use science to address today’s most urgent environmental challenges. This is why events like Industry Networks Day are crucial as they bring together influential experts to explore this intersection and the possibilities of growth in sustainable solutions. As someone who had the privilege of being both a panelist and a judge for the student’s research projects during the event, I witnessed firsthand how these two seemingly distinct fields can come together to address some of today’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Poster Day

The first day of the event I had the opportunity to be a judge for poster day, a session where students at the University of Chicago presented various research topics in sustainability with a focus on molecular engineering. A student poster that stood out to me during the session was one centered on Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of widely used man-made chemicals with components that break down very slowly over time. PFAS are an issue that has gained significant attention in the sustainability field due to its persistent nature in both the environment and human health. The project was a highlight of my experience as it demonstrated a deep understanding of the technical challenges surrounding PFAS contamination and its mitigation, effectively showcasing how real-world problems can drive innovative research.

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An aspect of the event that I believe was crucial was the mentorship element. Being able to guide students and provide feedback on their work allowed me to see their growth in real time. I know this experience will stay with them, as they continue their studies and eventually transition into industry roles. It’s these moments of collaboration that make events like this so meaningful—not just for students, but for everyone involved.

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What Does Sustainability Really Mean?

The next day of the event featured a wide range of industry leaders as they presented on various environmental topics that sparked collaboration. I was a part of the panel discussion, "What Does Sustainability Really Mean?", alongside industry experts Jag Alexeyev , Panel Moderator and Head of ESG Insights for Broadridge; Jennifer "Vern" Long , CEO of World Coffee Research; Mehrdad Arjmand, Ph.D. , Director of Engineering for Renewance; and Junhong Chen , Crown Family?Professor of Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering.

We kicked off the discussion by addressing the broad question at hand: What does sustainability really mean? Each of us offered our perspectives, as sustainability can take on different meanings depending on the field or individual. For me, I’ve always adhered to the United Nations Brundtland Commission definition: "Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." I like to keep the definition broad because, in my work, sustainability encompasses a wide range of areas—from water to energy to ESG (environmental, social, and governance) efforts. Throughout the panel, we delved into specific examples of how sustainability is being implemented in different industries. Jennifer "Vern" Long shared her research from working with small farmers in Ethiopia and Uganda, where her team educates them on how to grow coffee in a more sustainable way, minimizing carbon impact. Mehrdad Arjmand, Ph.D. discussed his focus on battery recycling technology in relation to the growing industry of electric vehicles (EVs), while Junhong Chen spoke about his research in water remediation and wastewater management.

For my part, I highlighted environmental sustainability, an area I’m deeply passionate about. I focused on climate solutions, particularly on carbon sequestration and carbon capture technology. I discussed the importance of not only implementing these solutions but to also having a further technical understanding of their design. This involves knowing how you can measure your carbon baseline, or how to set up targets that account for a multitude of factors such as industry, geographical location, etc. I highlighted how ADEC ESG helps companies reduce their carbon footprints, offering an example of a global battery manufacturer we’ve worked with to lower carbon emissions during their production processes. My goal was to showcase how these solutions can be tailored to meet specific needs, helping industries make measurable progress toward their sustainability goals. I also like to bring in a bit of perspective during these discussions by sharing a quote that I think encapsulates the urgency of the issue: "The greatest threat to the planet is the belief that someone else will save it," a sentiment from Robert Frost that serves as a reminder that sustainability is not someone else’s problem—it’s everyone’s responsibility.

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“Sustainability has many dimensions, so it’s great to discover how innovations in molecular engineering can be part of the solution. Technology is central. Yet tackling the world’s challenges requires both innovation and collaboration. This event showed how academia, industry, finance, government, and non-profits can work together as part of an ecosystem to catalyze change. The ideas and commitments of students were among the most inspiring.” – Jag Alexeyev, Panel Moderator.

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Outside of participating in my own panel, I had the chance to view several other insightful presentations. One standout panel was, ‘Innovation in Orbit: Tools that Power Space Research’, held by Mounir Alafrangy , the Commercial Innovation Manager and Technology Lead for the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory. Alafrangy connected space exploration to sustainability efforts on Earth, particularly focusing on research into sustainable materials that could be used not only within Earth’s atmosphere but also in space. Additionally, Ted Krause, Chemical Engineer for Argonne National Laboratory, led the engaging presentation, ‘National lab keynote: The landscape of the hydrogen economy’. The panel positioned using hydrogen over other traditional fuels as a potential solution to combat climate change. Krause covered the regulations, funding opportunities, and the technical challenges surrounding hydrogen as a clean fuel alternative, offering valuable insights into the future of sustainable energy. These presentations provided a diverse view of how industries are innovating to tackle global environmental challenges.

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Moving Forward - One Solution at a Time

What made this event particularly special was the collaboration between academia and industry. It wasn’t just about theoretical learning; students were exposed to current problems, and the industry gained insight into the latest research being done at the university level. This two-way partnership enriched the experience for all involved, and this kind of exposure is invaluable for students. The next generation of engineers and scientists will bear much of the responsibility for climate solutions, and hearing directly from professionals about actual challenges and innovations will help prepare them for what’s ahead.

As we confront the urgent challenges posed by climate change, we need faster and more effective solutions—and we don’t have the luxury of unlimited time. That’s why sharing knowledge and exchanging ideas is so vital. Events like Industry Networks Day provide the platform for industry experts to share their own professional experiences, whether it’s reducing carbon impacts or developing new technologies.

Ultimately, the link between molecular engineering and sustainability lies in the solutions we’re creating to reduce carbon emissions and address environmental challenges. Molecular engineering offers the technical foundation to develop these solutions, and that’s why the University of Chicago hosted this event—to bridge the gap between academic research and industry application, and to drive meaningful progress in sustainability.

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