COLLEGE STATION, Texas -- Dr. Perla Balbuena has been named holder of the Gas Processors Suppliers Association (GPSA) Professorship in Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M University.

"I am delighted that Dr. Balbuena was chosen for this professorship," said Dr. Kenneth R. Hall, chemical engineering department head and holder of the Jack E. and Frances Brown Chair in Engineering. "Her research is in areas that represent the broad interests of the GPSA. She has an outstanding research record and is an excellent and conscientious teacher."

Balbuena's research focuses on the prediction of physical and chemical properties of materials using atomic-level simulations. She has contributed to an improved design of power sources such as lithium-ion batteries and fuel cells, and to the development of new materials for catalytic processes.

Balbuena's work with lithium-ion batteries, used in laptop computers and cell phones, involves introducing components that are less toxic and work more efficiently than those currently used. Her work with fuel cells, called the power source of the future, involves studying how reactions take place on the surface of the nanocatalytic particles to improve the cells' efficiency and cost. Other current projects include the design of sensors to detect toxic gases in natural gas and air streams.

Balbuena joined the Texas A&M chemical engineering department as a professor in 2004. She earned her bachelor's degree from the Universidad Tecnologica Nacional in Argentina, a master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas, all in chemical engineering.

For more information, contact

Source: Dr. Perla Balbuena
979/845-3375

balbuena@tamu.edu

Reporter: Bonnie L. Shortner
teeswriter1@tamu.edu

News Story 1132, March 4, 2005

Direct page link:
http://engineeringnews.tamu.edu/news/1132

Main News Page