News
Thu, 08/13/2026
Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Kalin Baca Featured on ‘The KU Hustle’
Dr. Kalin Baca, CEO of Icorium Engineering and KU-WISE alumni, was featured on ‘The KU Hustle.’ This entrepreneurship podcast speaks with KU-affiliated business owners who built their business from the ground up. Watch the video for the full interview.
Tue, 08/11/2026
Claire Sabolay Selected for Oral Presentation at Gordon Research Conference on Ionic Liquids
Claire presented her research poster, “Solubility Measurements to Process Design: Evaluating Difluorophosphate-Based Ionic Liquids for Refrigerant Separations,” alongside 67 other posters from researchers around the world. Following the poster session, conference judges selected just four presenters to give an oral presentation—and Claire was among those selected.
Mon, 08/03/2026
NSF EARTH Undergraduate Researcher Marina Johnson Receives Prestigious IIAR Founders Scholarship
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering Research Center for Environmentally Applied Refrigerant Technology Hub (EARTH) is proud to celebrate Marina Johnson, an undergraduate researcher at the University of Kansas (KU), for receiving the highly competitive International Institute of All-Natural Refrigeration (IIAR) Founders Scholarship. ...
Tue, 07/14/2026
NSF Program Directors visit ERC EARTH at the University of Kansas
Representatives from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) recently visited the NSF Engineering Research Center for Environmentally Applied Refrigerant Technology Hub (EARTH) at the University of Kansas (KU) in Lawrence. Dana Denick, program director for NSF Engineering Research Centers, and Bert Chandler, program director for NSF CBET-Catalysis, spent two days...
Mon, 06/29/2026
Dr. Mark Shiflett Reaches 12,000 Career Citations
Dr. Mark B. Shiflett, Foundation Distinguished Professor of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering at the University of Kansas, has reached an extraordinary academic milestone of 12,000 career citations on Google Scholar, reflecting the impact and continued influence of his research in sustainable engineering and chemical sciences.
Wed, 06/24/2026
WISE Researcher Contributes to New Book Advancing Sustainable Carbon Capture Technologies
WISE is pleased to announce the publication of Thermal Plasma-coupled Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage: Unlocking the Potential of Thermal Plasma, a new book co-edited by WISE researcher Dr. Apoorva Ranjekar. The book brings together contributions from experts examining emerging approaches to carbon management, waste valorization and clean energy production.
Wed, 06/17/2026
EARTH Researchers Publish New Review on Sustainable Cooling
Researchers from the NSF Engineering Research Center, Environmentally Applied Refrigerant Technology Hub (EARTH), headquartered at the University of Kansas, have published a new article in the Annual Review of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering outlining a comprehensive roadmap for sustainable refrigerant technologies.
Tue, 06/02/2026
Research could lead to cheaper, better testing for ‘forever chemicals’ in US drinking water
A new investigation from the University of Kansas improves detection of PFAS, a family of so-called “forever chemicals” in drinking water supplies. The method, which can measure such trace pollution levels of PFAS in water more quickly and inexpensively than current techniques, recently was published in the open-source journal PLOS Water.
Mon, 05/18/2026
Engineering professor charts unexpected career path from thermodynamics to whiskey barrels
Chris Depcik, University of Kansas professor of mechanical engineering, has created a solution to help distillers better predict how spirits mature inside a barrel.
Wed, 05/13/2026
WISE Hosts Spring 2026 Wonderful Undergraduate Research Symposium
WISE proudly hosted its Spring 2026 Wonderful Undergraduate Research Symposium. Students presented projects related to refrigerant separation technologies and PFAS removal from water, as well as studies examining greener chemical processing methods and the effects of compressed CO2 on plastic hydrocracking. Other presentations highlighted the development of hands-on laboratory experiments using hydrogels and emulsions to support undergraduate education.
Tue, 05/12/2026
School of Engineering faculty member earns NSF CAREER Award for advancing sustainable plastics solutions
Ana Morais, assistant professor of chemical & petroleum engineering, received the prestigious award for research focused on improving how difficult-to-recycle plastics can be converted into useful products while advancing broader sustainability efforts through education and outreach.
Mon, 05/11/2026
Adsorption-Based Separation of Azeotropic Mixtures Using Porous Materials
Graduate student Emmanuel Ababio of the Wonderful Institute for Sustainable Engineering (WISE) at the University of Kansas has successfully completed his preliminary examination, advancing to PhD candidacy in chemical and petroleum engineering.
Mon, 05/11/2026
Separation of Azeotropic Refrigerant Mixtures Using Ionic Liquids
Clarice “Claire” Sabolay, a graduate student in the Wonderful Institute for Sustainable Engineering (WISE), successfully passed her preliminary examination yesterday at the University of Kansas. Her presentation, titled “Separation of Azeotropic Refrigerant Mixtures Using Ionic Liquids,” showcased impactful research addressing critical challenges in refrigerant separation and sustainability.
Fri, 05/01/2026
Separation of Azeotropic Refrigerant Mixtures Using Ionic Liquids
Lawrence, KS — April 30, 2026 — Clarice “Claire” Sabolay, a graduate student in the Wonderful Institute for Sustainable Engineering (WISE), successfully passed her preliminary examination yesterday at the University of Kansas. Her presentation, titled “Separation of Azeotropic Refrigerant Mixtures Using Ionic Liquids,” showcased impactful research addressing critical challenges in...
Thu, 04/23/2026
Charles "CJ" Ponge Successfully Defends Dissertation on PFAS Removal Using Zeolites
Research Advances Sustainable, Regenerable Solutions for “Forever Chemical” Remediation
Mon, 04/20/2026
KU WISE Hosts Spring 2026 Safety Week Focused on Bystander Intervention
For Spring 2026, Safety Week centered on the importance of bystander intervention and how individuals can effectively respond to emergencies. Programming throughout the week encouraged participants to think critically about their role in maintaining a safe and supportive environment, both in and out of the lab.
Mon, 04/20/2026
Dr. Ana Morais Receives Prestigious NSF CAREER Award
The Wonderful Institute of Sustainable Engineering is proud to congratulate Dr. Ana Morais on receiving the highly competitive National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award.
Thu, 04/16/2026
KU Engineering Programs Earn National Recognition in U.S. News & World Report
Several graduate programs within the University of Kansas School of Engineering have earned national recognition in the latest rankings released by U.S. News & World Report.
Tue, 04/14/2026
Abdulrhman M. Arishi Completes PhD with Successful Final Dissertation Defense
WISE is proud to announce that Abdulrhman M. Arishi has successfully completed his doctoral dissertation defense, marking a significant milestone in his academic and research career.
Fri, 04/10/2026
Abdulrhman M. Arishi Completes PhD with Successful Final Dissertation Defense
EARTH is proud to announce that Abdulrhman M. Arishi has successfully completed his doctoral dissertation defense, marking a significant milestone in his academic and research career. ...
Mon, 04/06/2026
Undergraduate Researchers from EARTH and WISE Take All Top Honors in Poster Competition
The 2026 Graduate Engineering Association (GEA) Engineering Research Showcase at the University of Kansas marked a standout moment for undergraduate research, with students from NSF Engineering Research Center for Environmentally Applied Refrigerant Technology Hub (EARTH) and the Wonderful Institute for Sustainable Engineering (WISE) delivering an exceptional and sweeping performance in...
Wed, 03/18/2026
Advancing Sustainable Refrigerant Recovery with Membrane Technology
This review explores membrane-based technologies as energy‑efficient alternatives to traditional methods for separating and recycling hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants. By examining membrane materials, transport mechanisms, and real‑world challenges, the work highlights pathways to improve refrigerant recovery while supporting environmental regulations and sustainable cooling practices.
Tue, 03/17/2026
WISE Researcher Publishes Article Supporting Next-Generation Refrigerant Recovery Technologies
Yuniva Mendoza-Apodaca, a researcher with the Shiflett Research Group at the Wonderful Institute for Sustainable Engineering (WISE), has published a new research article in Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research focused on improving how refrigerants—critical to air conditioning and cooling systems—can be separated and reused more efficiently, supporting global efforts to reduce environmental impact.
Thu, 01/15/2026
Dr. Siakpebru Earns PhD for Research Advancing Sustainable Fuel Production from Biomass
Dr. Siakpebru has successfully defended his doctoral dissertation and received his PhD for research focused on developing more efficient ways to convert renewable plant materials into liquid fuels. His work addresses the growing demand for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by creating practical, carbon-efficient pathways for producing hydrocarbons from biomass.
Mon, 01/12/2026
Alan Allgeier named director of KU’s Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis
Alan Allgeier, Don W. Green Professor of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering, has been named director of the Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis at KU, effective immediately.
The CEBC works to develop cleaner, safer, energy-efficient technologies that protect the planet and human health while training the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Tue, 12/23/2025
Dr. Mark Shiflett Awarded 50th Patent, Marking Major Milestone in Sustainable Engineering Innovation
Dr. Mark Shiflett has been awarded his 50th U.S. patent, marking a significant milestone in a career dedicated to advancing practical, sustainable engineering solutions.
Wed, 12/17/2025
WISE Researcher Advances Reliable Process Design for Ionic-Liquid-Based Refrigerant Separation
A new study helps engineers better understand how advanced materials called ionic liquids behave at high temperatures—knowledge that supports more efficient, reliable, and sustainable cooling technologies.
Tue, 12/09/2025
Wonderful Institute for Sustainable Engineering Hosts Fall 2025 Undergraduate Research Symposium
WISE proudly hosted its Fall 2025 Wonderful Undergraduate Research Symposium, showcasing the latest research from talented students in its undergraduate engineering programs.
Mon, 12/08/2025
EARTH Researchers Publish New Study on Low-GWP Refrigerants to Advance Sustainable Cooling
EARTH researchers published a new study evaluating low-GWP refrigerants, specifically HFC-32/HFO-1234yf mixtures, as alternatives to R-410A. Their modeling shows that blends such as R-454B and pure HFC-32 can significantly improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and lower operating costs. The work supports the cooling industry’s transition toward cleaner, next-generation refrigerants.
Tue, 11/04/2025
Sarah Walsh Wins KU Excellence in Community, Education, and Leadership (ExCEL) Award
The NSF Engineering Research Center for Environmentally Applied Refrigerant Technology (EARTH) proudly recognizes Sarah Walsh, a Chemical Engineering student and member of the Shiflett Research Group, for being named the recipient of the 2025 Excellence in Community, Education, and Leadership (ExCEL) Homecoming Award at the University of Kansas.