Lena Perkins, PhD Candidate Mechanical Engineering                                      Energy Systems, Thermodynamics, & Thermokinetics

Exergy and Energy Efficiency Analysis

The concept of 'quality' of energy in addition to 'quantity' of energy can be quantified by using exergetic analysis and is vital to our converstations about energy on a community and global level. Through exploring exergetic accounting on a community scale and helping others integrate this concept of 'Exergy Efficiency' into their research I think it is possible to foster a greater understanding both beyond the academic community, and within.

Biochar: net carbon impact

Many researchers have put forth studies in support of Biochar (charred plant biomass) as a carbon sequestration method as and many have dismissed this concept and potential. Our goal is to study the fundamentals how the processing and feedstocks can affect the stability of carbon in the biochar and soil over centuries to millenia.

Advisors and Collaborators

I am currently advised by Professor Chris Field, Director of the Department of Global Ecology at the Carnegie Institute while working closely with Professors Chris Edwards and Reggie Mitchell of Mechanical Engineering.