Members of the Energy Systems Analysis Group (ESAG) advise Princeton undergraduate student independent research, graduate student dissertation research, and post-doctoral fellows.

• Topics for Theses and Independent Work for Juniors and Seniors
• PEI-STEP Environmental Policy Fellowships
• Employment Opportunities

"Assessment of Biomass-Related Energy Technologies and Systems"
(Eric Larson, elarson@princeton)
 

Contribute to a major research effort focusing on various aspects of the production and use of biomass (wood, other plant material, municipal solid waste, etc.) as a renewable energy source. The work includes: engineering assessments of advanced technologies for converting biomass into fluid fuels and electricity; analysis relating to land use for biomass production; and assessment of ecosystem impacts of large-scale biomass production. Possible areas for independent research projects include:

• Analysis of advanced technologies for electricity or combined heat and electricity production via thermochemical gasification of biomass, including gas turbines, fuel cells, and stirling engines.
• Analysis of advanced industrial processes for production of transportation fuels from biomass (methanol, ethanol, hydrogen, and other fluid fuels).
   

"The Sequestration of Carbon Dioxide"
(Robert H. Socolow, socolow@Princeton; Robert H. Williams, rwilliam@Princeton; Michael Celia, celia@princeton)

An important but underexamined option for a global energy system responsive to greenhouse constraints involves the conversion of fossil fuels to hydrogen, the sequestration of the fossil carbon as carbon dioxide (e.g. in deep underground aquifers) , and the implementation of a hydrogen economy. Research projects might address:

• Current and planned fossil fuel projects where carbon dioxide is sequestered (i.e., Exxon at Natuna, Indonesia)
• Carbon dioxide storage in deep aquifers (chemical and physical processes).

ESAG staff and faculty can act as advisors to PEI-STEP Fellows.

Post Doctoral Fellow - Energy Systems Modeling Group
Carbon Mitigation Initiative, Princeton Environmental Institute
Princeton University

ESAG models the thermodynamic and economic performance of advanced energy conversion systems that transform fossil fuels (esp. coal) and/or biomass into electricity, hydrogen, and synthetic fuels – with CO₂ capture and geologic storage. We are looking for an individual with a Ph.D. in engineering, physics or chemistry to work with us in designing and analyzing such novel facilities. Experience with energy systems modeling, or with chemical processing software such as Aspen Plus or HYSIS, is highly desirable; however, candidates with a strong record of applying numerical simulation to other areas will be considered. Candidates must have excellent communication skills, be able to foster industrial and academic collaborations in the U.S. and abroad, and have very strong references.

One-year initial appointment with renewal upon review. Email application, with CV, to Ildiko Kohles: ikohles@princeton.edu. For more information see cmi.princeton.edu.  Princeton University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and particularly welcomes applications from women and members of minority groups. For general application information and how to self-identify, see www.princeton.edu/dof/about_us/dof_job_openings/.