Katherine Vaz Gomes

Student Advisory Council Member

Katherine Vaz Gomes is a passionate researcher, scientist, and storyteller who thrives at the intersection of science, communication, and creating change. She recently defended her Ph.D. in chemical engineering at the University of Pennsylvania. She is a graduate research assistant in the Clean Energy Conversions Lab.

Katherine specializes in process engineering, techno-economic analysis, and life cycle assessment of carbon management technologies, focusing on innovative methods like indirect mineral carbonation and critical mineral recovery from mine waste. Her work explores solutions to global challenges, emphasizing sustainable practices and the circular economy. Beyond the technical aspects of her research, Katherine has a deep appreciation for accessible science communication. Katherine holds undergraduate degrees in chemical engineering and professional writing from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. She is a member of the Kleinman Center’s Student Advisory Council.