Phillips' One-Step Green Method for Heavy Metal Removal Earns First Place at AIChE Conference

OU Hosts 2025 AIChE Mid-America Conference; Sable Phillips Takes First Place in Research Competition

The 2025 AIChE Mid-America Regional Conference, hosted by the University of Oklahoma on 11–12 April, brought together undergraduate chemical engineering students for two days of engaging competitions, hands-on workshops, and invaluable networking opportunities. Among the key events were the Chem-E-Car competition, technical research presentations, and a career fair connecting students with industry leaders and potential employers.

A particularly noteworthy moment at the conference was the recognition of Sable Phillips, a senior at the Russell School of Chemical Engineering, who secured first place in the technical research presentation competition. Her achievement underscored the depth of student research and innovation showcased at the event. Sponsored by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), the conference provided a platform for students to demonstrate their skills, engage with professionals, and advance their careers in chemical engineering.

Phillips’ research reportedly focuses on heavy metal pollution in water, a subject she has long been concerned about as a member of the Osage Nation, given its environmental impact. Her study examines the removal of chromium (Cr), a hazardous metal linked to DNA damage, neurotoxicity, and cancer, through the use of bio-adsorbents synthesised using green chemistry. Unlike conventional two-step activation methods, Phillips is said to have developed a one-step process that has proven to be more efficient.

Having worked on this project for two years, Phillips has collaborated closely with her mentor, Hema Ramsurn, A. Paul Buthod Endowed Chair in Chemical Engineering, and graduate student Suriya Ramasubramanian. She is reportedly in the process of writing a research article based on their findings and is expected to attend the national AIChE conference in Boston this November, where she will present her work to a wider audience. Her recognition at the AIChE Mid-America Regional Conference reflects both her academic dedication and the growing significance of innovative solutions in addressing environmental challenges within chemical engineering.

Editor's Note:

The research conducted by Sable Phillips on bio-adsorbents for chromium removal in water represents a crucial step in tackling heavy metal pollution, a growing environmental and health concern. Her innovative one-step activation method, which outperforms conventional techniques, highlights the potential of green chemistry in developing sustainable solutions. At a time when water contamination poses severe risks to human health, Phillips' findings offer a promising approach to improving water treatment methods while minimising environmental impact. Looking ahead, this work could significantly influence future research and industrial applications, paving the way for more efficient and eco-friendly water purification systems. 

Skoobuzz believes that as the demand for clean water continues to rise, advancements in this field will be essential for safeguarding communities and ecosystems. Phillips' research serves as a foundation for further studies, demonstrating the importance of science-driven innovation in addressing global challenges.