Heather LeClerc

Assistant Professor
Chemical and Biomedical Engineering

Our research strives to harness high-resolution analytical tools to achieve molecular-level understanding of real-world complex organic mixtures to develop efficient processes towards fuels, chemicals, and materials. We primarily harness mass spectrometry data, reaction kinetics studies, and basic data science tools to elucidate key reaction pathways and intramolecular interactions. This knowledge is used to guide the rational design of reactor systems to enable the circular economy and reduce byproduct formation. Our research is currently applied to the decomposition and valorization of biomass and plastic waste through hydrothermal liquefaction and pyrolysis.

Awards

ACS Postdoctoral Faculty Bridge Grant

Affiliations

American Chemical Society

Association of Environmental Engineers and Professionals

Areas of Expertise

Biomass Conversion
Circular Economy
Complex Mixtures
Reaction Kinetics

Education

PhD. Chemical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 2023
B.S. Environmental Chemistry, Saint Vincent College, 2018
Portrait of Heather LeClerc
Assistant Professor