Will Steere

William Steere is a 2025 IDEA REU participant from the University of New Hampshire studying Chemical Engineering with a minor in Spanish. He worked with Samir F. Castilla-Acevedo focusing on identifying and optimizing reaction pathways and conditions for catalytic upgrading of biomass derived molecules to monomers for the production of nylons, plasticizers, and adhesives. Success in this research would support a circular economy and void the production of harmful greenhouse gases formed by traditional fossil fuel synthesis methods of petrochemical production. Will is most excited to learn new technical skills in instrumentation and software alongside making strong industry connections. After his time as an REU researcher at KU, Will plans to continue research within catalysis science at his home institution, and he is eager to employ his new instrumentation and communication abilities. He will pursue his investigation of supported platinum-heteropoly acid catalysts for conversion of glycerol to propanediols at low hydrogen pressures, and he hopes to design his own research project for his remaining two years as an undergraduate. His dedication to catalysis research revolves around his over-arching goal of obtaining a Ph.D. and starting a company founded on a novel catalytic process he hopes to invent. Will is immensely grateful for the industry and entrepreneurial lessons he has acquired during his time in the REU, and he is excited to report his research and share his program experience to promote this REU site.