Dr. Ryan Hartman’s laboratory focuses on the discovery and advancement of chemistry, biology, and materials science by applying chemical engineering first principles. A major theme in our research revolves around the engineering and application of microchemical systems to understand reaction engineering and separations from the micro to the molecular scale, and in turn provide fundamental insight on full-scale systems.

A problem of particular interest in our laboratory is the study of reactions that form solids in micro-scale fluid flow. Thus, we aim to understand the underlying physical and chemical rate processes that govern solid forming reactions in order to exploit the absence of heat and mass transport limitations inherent in microfluidics. Understanding the interaction of solids with surfaces in microfluidic systems is critical in addressing a broad cross-section of societal problems. Inclusion compounds, small molecule organics in fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals, and inorganic ceramics are compounds of particular interest to our laboratory. To this end, the separation of such compounds presents unique challenges.

Hartman is also involved in a project for the NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates Fluid Mechanics with Analysis Using Computations and Experiments Program.