Adam Twombly
Northport,USA
Summary
Dynamic catalyst researcher with extensive expertise in kinetic modeling, catalyst synthesis, and testing, focused on developing metrics to evaluate the efficacy of catalytic materials for the selective oxidation of small molecules. Proficient in conducting kinetic measurements and employing advanced characterization techniques, ensuring thorough analysis and innovation in catalytic processes. Skilled scientific author and presenter with a proven track record in mentoring students and fostering their development in the field. Core competencies include kinetic measurements, catalyst synthesis and characterization, and kinetic modeling.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Postdoctoral Scholar, Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering
The University of Alabama
01.2023 - Current
- Company Overview: A 39,000-student, private, nonsectarian, R1 research university
- Researched catalytic release of hydrogen from chemical hydrogen carriers using supported metal nanoparticles with the aim to study the reaction kinetics and maximize release rate and reaction selectivity.
- Measured the release rate of hydrogen from liquid phase chemical hydrogen carriers in a liquid phase semi-batch reactor.
- Synthesized metal nanoparticles on various supports and characterized the materials with a wide range of analytical techniques.
- Investigated and developed potential reaction mechanisms for hydrogen release on synthesized metal nanoparticles in the liquid phase
- Performed experiments in a gas phase flow reactor examining the oxidation of alcohol on supported metal nanoparticles
- Performed in-situ and ex-situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy at a national synchrotron laboratory.
Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering
Tufts University
01.2018 - 01.2023
- Company Overview: A 12,000-student, private, nonsectarian, R1 research university
- Researched oxidation of small molecules on microporous transition metal oxides to study how mechanics on the molecular level impact reactivity and selectivity and can motivate catalyst design on a broad scale.
- Measured the oxidation rates and selectivity of small molecules on transition metal oxide catalysts in a lab-scale flow reactor.
- Compare molecular accessibility to the porous catalysts using size-dependent activation rate ratios and physisorption experiments.
- Develop models that relate selectivity and conversion to determine the favorable reaction routes on different catalysts
Undergraduate Research Assistant, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
University of New Hampshire
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Company Overview: A 15,000-student, public, nonsectarian, R1 research university
- Synthesis and characterize boron doped TiO2 to increase the efficacy and accessibility for titanium dioxide as an effective photocatalyst.
- Develop methods for the synthesis of boron doped TiO2
- Analyze and tests catalysts using thermogravimetric analysis and volatile organic compound decomposition to examine the effectiveness of the dopant on reactivity.
- Honor’s Thesis Title: “Synthesis, Characterization and Performance of Boron-doped TiO2 catalysts for VOC decomposition”
Education
Ph.D - Chemical Engineering
Tufts University
Medford, MA08.2023
B.S - Chemical Engineering
University of New Hampshire
Durham, NH05.2018
Skills
- Software & Tools: Microsoft Office, Maple, Origin
- Statistical Software: JMP, Minitab
- Laboratory Skills: Catalysis, Gas chromatography, DRIFTS, ICP-OES, Physisorption, SEM, TEM, XRD, Mass Spectrometry, TPD, Chemisorption
Teaching and Mentorship Experience
- Teaching Assistant, Tufts University, Medford, MA Product and Process Design Spring 2019, Spring 2021 | Advanced Transport Phenomena Spring 2020
- Provided feedback on assignments and held office hours for students at both the undergraduate and graduate level.
- Provided guidance on the development of final design projects.
Publications
- A. Twombly, J. Harris, “Kinetics of Hydrogen Release from Ammonia Borane and Role of the Support for Supported Ru Catalysts in Methanol Solvent,” J. Catal., 2025, 445, 116041.
- Y. Liu, A. Twombly, Y. Dang, A. Mirich, and S. L. Suib, “Roles of Enhancement of C-H Activation and Diminution of C-O Formation Within M1-Phase Pores in Propane Selective Oxidation,” ChemCatChem, 2021, 13, 882–899.
- H. Khanna, A. Mirich, A. Twombly, Y. Dang, A. Shirazi-Amin, I. Perera, Y. Liu, L. F. Posada, P. Deshlahra, and S. L. Suib, “Assessment of Micropore Accessibility for Hydrocarbon Oxidation in Manganese Oxides Sieves” App. Cat. A, 2022, 635, 118557.
- A. Twombly, J. Harris, “Role of Solvent in the Liquid Phase Dehydrogenation of Ammonia Borane on Supported Ruthenium Nanoparticles,” (In preparation) ^Co-first author publication.
Awards
Kokes Award Recipient National American Catalysis Society Meeting 27 May 2022
Timeline
Postdoctoral Scholar, Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering
The University of Alabama
01.2023 - Current
Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering
Tufts University
01.2018 - 01.2023
Undergraduate Research Assistant, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
University of New Hampshire
01.2016 - 01.2018
B.S - Chemical Engineering
University of New Hampshire
Ph.D - Chemical Engineering
Tufts University
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