I was born and raised in Hawaii and moved to Colorado to pursue my Bachelors of Science in Chemical Engineering at the University of Colorado at Boulder. I chose this field because I was interested in renewable energies. Following my passion, I conducted research focusing on renewable production of hydrogen. I also did a REU at Virginia Polytechnic Institute where I conducted experiments studying the effect of graphite type on bipolar plate composites for PEM fuel cells. During my senior year, I studied abroad in Japan, one of the best experiences of my life.

My hobbies include playing tennis, traveling, and racing and building Subaru’s. After I graduated from CU Boulder, I worked as a mechanic at a local car repair shop. We were hired as the pit crew for rally car driver Matthew Johnson for the Rally America events and for X Games 15.

After taking a year off, I have returned to further enhance my education at the Colorado School of Mines by pursuing a Masters in Engineering with a Mechanical Specialty. I chose Mines due to the scenic location, high caliber, and close relations with National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

My research focuses on the development of microchannel reactors to create gas to liquid fuels using Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis. Microchannel reactors offer accurate control of thermal processes, thus increasing product selectivity, heat transfer rates, and catalyst activity. Due to the size, material costs are decreased and they can be used as portable, low weight power systems. Microchannel reactors incorporate separated “hot” and “cold” side channels, thus allowing separation of exothermic and endothermic processes.

Margarite Parker