The "Simulation of TBP Degradation Under Varying Environmental Conditions" research project is in need of an eager to learn Undergraduate Upperclassman to help with the simulation of the degradation path of this molecule that can be used in coral reef restoration.

This project aims to investigate the degradation mechanisms of Tetrabromopyrrole (TBP) under different environmental conditions, focusing on temperature, humidity, light exposure, and oxygen levels. By employing computational modeling and molecular dynamics simulations, we seek to understand the chemical pathways and factors influencing TBP's stability and degradation rates.

TBP plays a significant role in coral restoration efforts by promoting larval settlement. Understanding the chemical pathways and degradation dynamics is essential for optimizing its use and minimizing adverse environmental impacts in coral reef restoration practices. The interplay of environmental factors such as temperature, light, and humidity on TBP's degradation has not been fully explored, and computational methods provide an efficient approach to address these gaps.

Deliverables

• Recommendations for storage and application conditions to optimize TBP’s stability and performance.A comprehensive report on the reaction mechanisms and degradation pathways of TBP under varying conditions.
• A comprehensive report on the reaction mechanisms and degradation pathways of TBP under varying conditions.

Skills and Tools Required

• Software: Familiarity with Gaussian, and readiness to learn Spartan, and LAMMPS.
• This project is ideal for students passionate about computational chemistry, marine biology, and ecological restoration.

If you are interested in this research opportunity and would like to learn more, please contact Joaquín Luis Yus Domínguez at jyus@illinois.edu

Desiccated soil cracks (DSC), predominantly occurring in clay-dominated soils, are the manifestations of tensile physical failure, forming part of the soil structure due to stresses induced by continuous water removal. DSC has far-reaching implications in complex soil-environment interactions. Understanding and managing soil cracks is essential for mitigating their impacts on soil health, environmental sustainability, and agricultural productivity.

In this study, we will use experimental investigation to characterize soil’s thermal and hydrological regimes and their influence on the soil evaporation process in the presence of DSC. We will develop a lysimeter under controlled environmental conditions equipped with an automated monitoring system to monitor soil thermal and hydrologic changes as DSC propagates under alternate wetting and drying processes. The propagation of desiccated cracks at the soil surface will be analyzed using imaging techniques alongside identifying key hydrological markers associated with the cracks. In addition, we will derive an empirical equation that can be incorporated as a sink term within the Richards equation to enhance the estimation of the soil evapotranspiration, ETs component. This framework will lay the foundation for scalable applications, bridging the gap between detailed experiments and broader-scale hydrological modeling frameworks.

Minimum Qualifications: Students in Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, Atmospheric Sciences, Soil Science and other related fields.

*Students who have taken Engineering Measurements or Instrumentation is a plus.

Preferred courses taken: Environmental Soil Physics, Atmospheric Science, Soil-Water Hydrology

To apply, please send the following to Kristelle Marie S. Dela Cruz, ksd5@illinois.edu

• A cover letter (1 or 2 pages) explaining their interest in the position, qualifications and relevant experiences, and how the opportunity aligns with their career goals.
• Resume