Skip to main content

ASU engineer will use Fulbright award to share expertise in renewable energy


Jean Adino Fulbirght award
October 01, 2012

Arizona State University chemical engineer Jean Andino will share her expertise in renewable energy development with research colleagues and students in Panama with the support of a prestigious Fulbright U.S. Scholar award.

Fulbright awards, supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, enable U.S. faculty members to teach and conduct research in other countries in efforts to exchange ideas and foster collaborations aimed at finding solutions to common international challenges.

Recipients of the awards are selected for their professional achievements and leadership in their fields.

Andino is on the faculty of the School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, one of ASU’s Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.  Her teaching and research focuses on atmospheric chemistry, chemical kinetics, and air pollution sensing and control. In the energy area, her work at ASU involves seeking ways to convert carbon dioxide into fuels.

“Being awarded the Fulbright is an exceptionally impressive achievement. We’re proud of all that Jean is accomplishing,” says Kyle Squires, director of the School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy.

Andino plans to spend a semester at Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá  with the Centro de Investigación e Innovación Eléctrica, Mecánica y de la Industria, as well as with the Facultad de Ingeniería Mecánica,  where she will consult on air quality and energy issues, give seminars and teach a short course.

Her research group at ASU is enhancing the development of a light-activated catalytic process that is showing promise in effectively converting carbon dioxide. “We know how to make it work in the lab,” Andino says. The next step is to further refine the process to enhance the conversion efficiency.  

Panama is making a strong effort to develop sustainable solutions that are affordable, reduce pollution and utilize renewable energy, Andino says, and she’s hoping to develop collaborations with university faculty and other researchers in Panama.

During her career, Andino has received the National Science Foundation CAREER Award, given to young engineers and scientists who are demonstrating potential to be outstanding education and research leaders in their fields.

She’s also won awards from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for technological innovation, as well as several awards from students groups for exceptional teaching and student support.