COOPER YERBY
PhD Candidate, University of Pennsylvania
Exploring the Fascinating Applications of Computational Chemistry
BIO
Who I Am
I’m a PhD Student in the Francisco Laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania. At Penn, I utilize computer aided materials design to create new filters designed to extract lithium and rare earth elements from aqueous solutions. My filters are inspired by the external molecular templates of biological membranes for desalination, such as those in mangroves. During my PhD and into the future, I aim to integrate my past experiences studying geology and finance with knowledge in molecular dynamics to create technologically streamlined innovations that disrupt how the world procures and recycles battery metals. I have received several awards and grants for my research, with projects and publications that you can learn more about below.
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MY RESEARCH
Unlocking Life’s Mysteries
GEOMICROBIOLOGY
We still have only a very limited understanding of how to leverage microbial metabolism to detoxify minerals and the water supply. To research microbial metabolism and apply biological arsenic detoxification processes towards water treatment, I
designed and constructed the world’s first low current-density microbially-mediated arsenic electrocoagulation apparatus. The new water treatment system eliminated 99.6% of arsenic species from solution over a 4 hour timespan and serves as a promising system for the future of water treatment.
APPLIED COMPUTATIONAL CHEMISTRY
In an effort to gain a better understanding of the molecular basis of water treatment, I am using molecular dynamics simulation to investigate the mechanistic underpinning of salt tolerance in plants. Through leveraging computer aided materials design and testing of functionalized carbon nanomaterial systems that mimic biological membranes, I am creating a new computational protocol to generate membrane systems with unparalleled desalination and materials separation capabilities. Because my membrane systems are comprised of readily available materials, promising designs can be manufactured and tested with industry partners.
Would you like to learn more about my research projects?
PUBLISHED WORK
November 7, 2018
ELUCIDATING LOW CURRENT-DENSITY ARSENIC ELECTROCOAGULATION KINETICS FOR USE IN INDUSTRIAL WATER TREATMENT & DETOXIFICATION
Yerby, C. J., Blatter, M., Nealson, K. H., Comninellis, C., & Fischer, F. (2018, November). https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2018AM/webprogram/Paper321384.html
December 14, 2017
CRYOGENIC IRRADIATION OF BACILLUS ATROPHAEUS SPORES TO UNDERSTAND MICROBIAL SURVIVAL ON ICY BODIES
Yerby, C. J., Noell, A. C., Hodyss, R. P., Johnson, P. V., & Ponce, A. (2017, December). In AGU Fall Meeting (Vol. 2017, pp. P43D-2910). https://agu.confex.com/agu/fm17/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/288353
December 15, 2014
A MICROBIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY EVALUATION OF GANGES RIVER DELTAIC AQUIFERS
Yerby, C. J., Gragg, S. E., Leavens, J., Harrington, J., Bhattacharya, P., & Datta, S. (2014, December). https://agu.confex.com/agu/fm14/meetingapp.cgi#Paper/25416
October 22, 2014
MICROBIOLOGY AND WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF THE LOWER GANGETIC PLAINS, BANGLADESH
Yerby, C. J., Gragg, S. E., Leavens, J., Harrington, J., Bhattacharya, P., & Datta, S. (2014, October). https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2014AM/webprogram/Paper249789.html
