LESLIE ANN KNAPP
Professor, Anthropology Department
Research Summary: My research has primarily focused on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes, which are critical for immune response. I study how MHC genes vary in humans and primates and how MHC diversity is generated and maintained via disease resistance, sexual selection, inbreeding avoidance and reproductive failure. I am also interested in other genetic polymorphisms such as dopamine receptor genes, which are believed to influence primate behavior.
Equipment:
I oversee a fully equipped molecular genetics lab with with standard molecular genetics equipment, including sterile PCR workstations, thermal cyclers, equipment for gel analyses, incubators, centrifuges, ultra-pure water filtration system and documentation systems. The laboratory also includes equipment for endocrine (ELISA-based) assays.
KEVIN WHITTY
Associate Dean for Research, University of Utah, College Of Engineering
Professor, Chemical Engineering
Research Summary: Prof. Whitty has over 30 years' experience in high temperature processing of waste and renewable resources for production of power, heat, chemicals and fuels. His research focuses on technologies that incorporate carbon capture including gasification, chemical looping, and oxy-fuel combustion. His labs include lab-scale instruments for fundamental characterization to pilot-scale systems processing tons of feedstock per day. He is Director of the Advanced Energy Systems Research Facility.
Equipment:
10 kW bench-scale chemical looping reactor,
5 cm bubbling fluidized bed reactor,
5 kW bubbling fluidized bed gasifier,
High temperature entrained-flow reactors,
Micrormeritics BET surface area analyzer,
Pilot dual fluidized bed chemical looping or twin bed gasification system (1 atm, 1250 C, 150 kW, 0.5 ton/day).,
Pilot pressurized bubbling fluidized bed gasifier (steam/O2 blown, 10 bar, 850 C, 200 kW, 0.7 ton/day),
Pilot pressurized entrained flow gasifier (O2 blown, 30 bar, 1600 C, 500 kW, 1.5 ton/day),
Pressurized fixed bed reactor (80 bar, 1000 C, H2O, CO2, H2, CO, O2, N2),
Pressurized thermogravimetric analyzer (100 bar, 1050 C, H2O, CO2, H2, CO, O2, N2)
,
Pressurized wire mesh heater (200 bar, 1200 C)