Undergraduate Student in Biochemistry at the Colorado School of Mines
Research – Simultaneously Recover Biofuels and Remove Halogenated Organic Contaminants in Harvested Plants from Phytoremediation
Education
In progress, B.S. in Biochemistry (2026 graduation), Colorado School of Mines, Colorado
Background
Ryan is currently in his undergraduate program at the Colorado School of Mines, working to graduate with a B.S. in Biochemistry. After graduation, he hopes to achieve a Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering. For the Strathmann group, Ryan works on examining how the hydrothermal alkaline treatment (HALT) can be utilized on plant matter that has absorbed Per- and Poly-fluoroalkyl substances through phytoremediation. This will hopefully provide new knowledge on how HALT works in different mediums, and also pave the way for more direct treatment methods of PFAs. He also hopes to examine if the post-treatment organic matter can be reclaimed as biofuels, simultaneously destroying harmful human made contaminants while also pushing for new forms of clean energy solutions. Outside of academia, Ryan spends a lot of time outdoors, hiking, working with large animals like horses, and longboarding.
Contact Information
Department of Chemistry and Geochemistry, 1500 Illinois Street, Golden, CO 80401.
Strathmann Research Group 