Heather LeClerc

Assistant Professor

Elliott R. Barker III Assistant Professor
AIChE D&I Taskforce member

Education

• B.S. Environmental Chemistry, Saint Vincent College, 2018
• PhD. Chemical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 2023

Research Interests

• Mass spectrometry
• Biomass conversion
• Circular Economy
• Reaction Kinetics
• Complex Mixtures

Biography

Our research strives to harness high-resolution analytical tools to achieve molecular-level understanding of real-world complex organic mixtures to develop efficient processes towards fuels, chemicals, and materials. We primarily harness mass spectrometry data, reaction kinetics studies, and basic data science tools to elucidate key reaction pathways and intramolecular interactions. This knowledge is used to guide the rational design of reactor systems to enable the circular economy and reduce byproduct formation. Our research is currently applied to the decomposition and valorization of biomass and plastic waste through hydrothermal liquefaction and pyrolysis.

Affiliations

• American Chemical Society,
• Association of Environmental Engineers and Professionals

Personal Links

• heatheroleclerc.com
• Google Scholar
• LinkedIn

Awards and Recognitions

• ACS Postdoctoral Faculty Bridge Grant