Learn how to develop computational tools that integrate techno-economic and life cycle assessment with uncertainty analysis to inform the benefits of deploying novel plastic recycling technologies and policies.
This project is not being offered for the current term. Please check back next semester for updates.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that only 9% of the plastic waste in the U.S. is recycled; 16% is processed through waste-to-energy, which has low efficiency and high environmental impact, and the remaining 75% is landfilled. Recently, novel technologies (e.g., solvent-based, pyrolysis, and hydrogenolysis) have emerged as promising alternatives to increase the recycling rates. Evaluating the economic and environmental benefits of these technologies at scale is crucial, particularly given the varying plastic waste generation and diverse policy approaches to plastic management across the U.S. (e.g., pyrolysis is prohibited in New York State).
In this project, the student will develop a computational framework using techno-economic and life cycle analyses to estimate the economic and environmental benefits of deploying advanced recycling technologies for plastic waste. The student will begin by conducting a thorough literature review to gather essential data needed for the framework. Given the inherent variability in data, the student will use uncertainty analysis (e.g., Monte Carlo approach) for critical variables, such as plastic waste generation and market prices for recycled products. The student will summarize the obtained results in a final report and, ideally, in a scientific publication. The student may also present the results of this project at national conferences.
The student will gain experience in doing meaningful research that addresses critical sustainability challenges and solving problems in a creative manner. Specifically, they will experience the complete research process from initial data gathering to analysis and report writing. The student will gain skills and expertise in techno-economic analysis, life cycle assessment, and uncertainty analysis. They will also gain insights into advanced plastic recycling technologies and policy approaches to plastic waste management across the U.S.
The student will improve their writing and communication skills by developing reports and delivering presentations on their research (in one-on-one meetings with the supervisor, group meetings, and conferences). If the results are sufficient for a scientific publication, the student will have the opportunity to write and submit a manuscript to a peer-reviewed scientific journal. The student will also acquire skills in using systems-level thinking approaches and computational tools to tackle complex problems.
Length of commitment | Longer than a semester; 6-9 months |
Start time | Spring (January/February 2025) |
In-person, remote, or hybrid? | Hybrid Project (Can be remote and/or in-person; to be determined by mentor and student) |
Level of collaboration | Individual Student Project |
Benefits | Stipend Other: Registration, travel & accommodations for conferences |
Who is eligible | All undergraduate students are welcome to apply, particularly those with a strong interest in developing computational tools to address sustainability challenges. Experience or basic skills in coding (e.g., Python, MATLAB) is preferred. Students who have taken or are currently enrolled in relevant courses to the project (e.g., EAS 230 or 240, CSE 113 or 115) are preferred. |
Aurora del Carmen Munguia-Lopez
Assistant Professor
Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
Phone: (716) 645-8650
Email: amunguia@buffalo.edu
Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase.
Review the recent publications on our lab website https://sites.google.com/view/sustainablesystemsengineering/publications
Chemical and Biological Engineering, systems engineering, computational tools, techno-economic analysis, environmental assessment, uncertainty analysis, plastics recycling, novel policies, sustainability