Jerry Ball
Kalamazoo
Summary
Dynamic Chemical Engineering and Biochemistry student with extensive research experience in both fields, complemented by several years of engineering expertise at WK Kellogg and Welch’s. Proven ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical challenges, demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing scientific understanding and innovation. Eager to leverage this solid foundation in a PhD program to contribute to academia and drive impactful research initiatives. Passionate about exploring new frontiers in chemical engineering and biochemistry, with a vision for future advancements in the industry.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Mechanical Design Engineer
Thermal Tech Engineering
Richland, MI
07.2025 - Current
- Design process equipment and plant layouts using engineering technical skills to facilitate new product lines for WK Kellogg and Welch’s production facilities in Western Michigan
- Startup and trouble shoot equipment during checkouts to ensure functionality and communicate this understanding to plant maintenance and operations for long term use
Undergraduate Chemical Engineering Research
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Terre Haute, IN
08.2024 - 11.2025
- Worked under Dr. Nolte to investigate pump performance inconsistencies during previous groups experiments in a chemical engineering lab
- Identified siphoning as the cause of deviations from expected pump curves at low speeds and offered design recommendations to resolve the issue
Undergraduate Biochemistry Research
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Terre Haute, IN
05.2023 - 05.2025
- Worked for the undergraduate Tuley lab group to develop a novel DDAH (Dimethylarginine Dimethylaminohydrolase) self-labeling protein tag that selectively binds based on mutations in the active site of DDAH and releases a detectable fluorescent signal
- Continued this research independently from August 2023 to graduation May 2025, and provided Rose-Hulman department of Chemistry with an undergraduate thesis paper and dissertation
Undergraduate Chemical Engineering Research
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Terre Haute, IN
12.2024 - 03.2025
- Collaborated with Dr. Neumann to characterize the operating conditions of a novel packed-bed reactor, including conversion, residence time, and differential pressure
- Assessed reactor design limitations and their impact on maximum reaction conversion
Undergraduate Chemical Engineer Research
Rose-hulman Institute Of Technology
Terre Haute, IN
11.2024 - 03.2025
- Partnered with research teams to evaluate ethylacetate hydrolysis conversion, aiming to align with expected outcomes
- Collaborated with future research teams by sharing findings to enhance understanding of conversion variations related to flow rates and reactant concentrations
Undergraduate Chemical Engineering Research
Rose-hulman Institute Of Technology
Terre Haute, IN
03.2023 - 05.2023
- Optimized parameters for effective separation of ethanol and propanol in distillation column
- Analyzed mass balance discrepancies to uncover safety issues related to chemical vapor emissions from column condenser
Undergraduate Chemistry Research Student
Rose-hulman Institute Of Technology
Terre Haute, IN
08.2022 - 11.2022
- Incorporated multi-walled carbon nanotubes to significantly increase carbon electrode surface area, thereby enhancing the sensitivity of reduction and oxidation signals in cyclic voltammetry
- Characterized electrode modification with Raman spectroscopy
Undergraduate Chemistry Research Student
Rose-hulman Institute Of Technology
Terre Haute, IN
03.2022 - 05.2022
- Engaged in laboratory work under Dr. Ross Weatherman to explore and develop new tamoxifen alternatives for effective estrogen receptor interaction
- Evaluated receptor affinity of compound against benchmarks established by prior Weatherman lab group students
Education
Bachelor of Science - Chemical Engineering and Biochemistry
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
05-2025
Skills
- Equipment Design, Aspen, AutoCad, Data Analysis, Root Cause Analysis, Experimental Design, Process Control, Advanced Chemical Analysis Techniques, Protein Synthesis and Purification
Timeline
Mechanical Design Engineer
Thermal Tech Engineering
07.2025 - Current
Undergraduate Chemical Engineering Research
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
12.2024 - 03.2025
Undergraduate Chemical Engineer Research
Rose-hulman Institute Of Technology
11.2024 - 03.2025
Undergraduate Chemical Engineering Research
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
08.2024 - 11.2025
Undergraduate Biochemistry Research
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
05.2023 - 05.2025
Undergraduate Chemical Engineering Research
Rose-hulman Institute Of Technology
03.2023 - 05.2023
Undergraduate Chemistry Research Student
Rose-hulman Institute Of Technology
08.2022 - 11.2022
Undergraduate Chemistry Research Student
Rose-hulman Institute Of Technology
03.2022 - 05.2022
Bachelor of Science - Chemical Engineering and Biochemistry
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Awards
Deans List (Fall 2020 - Spring 2025), Dr. John White Award (Biochemistry), Noel E. Moore Achievement Award (Chemical Engineering) Magna Cum Laude