Tristan Kenny
Chemical and Biological Engineer
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About
Recent graduate with Ph.D. in chemical and biological engineering looking to use research experience along with technical and leadership experience for research and development of energetic systems, cocrystals, or catalysis.
Experience
Post Doctoral Research - Rutgers University
(2020-2025 - 2025-2026)
Primary Investigator: Jonathan Singer
- Resolved major formulation issue surrounding foaming of the final propellant
- Provided essential DSC and FTIR analysis to confirm the lack of mixing interactions
- Worked on developing a formulation map for essential properties of the propellant based upon composition of each formulation
PhD Research - Dissertation - South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
(2020-2025 - 2025)
Dissertation: "Development of fuel: oxidizer complexes for the synthesis of metal oxides for the decomposition of organophosphates" Funded by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). Advisor: Dr. Lori Groven
- Synthesized a host of metal salt: organic fuel complexes for enhanced combustion synthesis
- Developed a method of mechanochemical synthesis of fuel: oxidizer complexes
- Characterized the catalytic capabilities of a variety of metal oxides for the decomposition of organophosphates
- Briefly worked with 3-D printing of energetic formulations using UV cure resins
- Formulated HTPB/AP propellant formulations
- Extensively worked on the characterization of complexes and metal oxides
- Assisted with flexo-/piezo-electric measurements
- Assisted with color pyrometry
Master's Research - South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
(2019-2020 - 2020)
Advisor: Todd Menkhaus. Focused on the removal of PFAS/PFOS from wastewater streams using flocculants and adsorbents. Assisted in designing 220 gallon membrane separation apparatus. Currently continues to discuss the PFAS problem and separation techniques with new PhD student focused on super critical CO2 extraction methods. (Patent in progress)
Postdoctoral Researcher - Rutgers University
(2025-2026)
In Dr. Jonathan Singer's Group
- Provided technical background in energetic materials to two master students working on the project
- Provided chemistry background to PhD student working on electro spraying
Senior PhD Student - South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
(2023-2025 - 2025)
Of Dr. Lori Groven's Research Group
- Assisted in doing research for 3 Master students, including synthesis of Manganese Nitrate: Glycine crystals, Flexoelectric testing, and burn rates
- Assisted in training in several areas
- Assisted with the preparation of a manuscript focused on the combustion and catalysis of the Mn-Nitrate: Glycine complex
- Assisted in the preparations of poster presentations for the IPS conference
Education
PhD - Chemical and Biological Engineering - South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (2020-01 - 2025-01)
MS - Chemical Engineering - South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (2019-01 - 2020-01)
BS - Chemical Engineering - South dakota School of Mines & Technology (2015-01 - 2019-01)
