Sara Tolentino

Chemical Engineering graduate from Western Michigan University with experience in coating system design, process optimization, and quality control. Contributed to a senior design project with Graphic Packaging International developing a closed-loop coating reclamation system, enhancing system integration and production efficiency. Conducted water treatment research at Western Michigan University, gaining skills in laboratory testing, contaminant analysis, and advanced remediation techniques. Worked as an intern at Laboratorio Agroempresarial Dominicano, performing physicochemical testing on water, soil and food.

Research Assistant, Sept 2024 - Dec 2024

Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan

Project: Nanocellulose for water remediation

Under the supervision of Dr. Priyanka Sharma

• Conducted research on the removal of Ammonium ions and dyes from wastewater using nanocellulose.

Research Assistant, Nov 2023 - Dec 2024

Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan

Project: Performance and Reuse of Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) for Water Treatment

Under the supervision of Dr. Mert Atilhan

• Preparation of deep eutectic solvents (DES) and water contaminant samples of phenolic compounds.
• Evaluation of DES performance through the application of Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) Spectroscopy.
• Design an experimental protocol to assess the potential of DES as a sustainable process by testing its reusability after the initial extraction of contaminants.

• Sawant, N. Alomari, N. Aguilar, J. Velez, M. Lizardo, M. Caceres, S. Ogando, R. Garcia, C. Maletta, A. Hossen, A. Gutiérrez, A. Springstead, J. Aparicio, S. Atilhan, M. (2024). Enhanced water purification with hydrophobic natural deep eutectic solvents focused on phenolic compounds removal. Journal of Water Process Engineering, vol 67, 106106.