PhD Candidate, EIT

Degrees

• Master’s in Mechanical Engineering; University of Michigan, 2023
• Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering; University of Michigan, 2022

Areas of Interest

Nitrogen Removal, Process Intensification, Biofilms/Dynamic Membranes, Wastewater Treatment Modeling

Research Projects

I am currently working on the Biomembrane Filtration Process Pilot at the Ann Arbor Water Resource Recovery Facility. As part of this project, I used my mechanical engineering background to design the custom recirculating dynamic membrane bioreactor module, which performs both biological denitrification and filtration/solids removal. I was also heavily involved with the design and installation of other pilot components including tanks, pumps, valves, sensors, and controls.

Since joining the group, I have also expanded my involvement in the process optimization components of the project. I have worked with SIMBA# process modeling software to better understand the system behavior and performance.

Patents and Publications

Fairley-Wax, T., Skerlos, S., Raskin, L., Barnum, L., Giammalvo, K., Maloney, L., Voigt, C. Biofilm Bioreactor Including Thermal Management and Substance Delivery Elements, Related Apparatus, and Related Methods. U.S. Patent 63,353,701, filed June 20, 2022. Patent pending.

Barrera, L., Silcox, R., Giammalvo, K., Brower, E., Isip, E., & Bala Chandran, R. (2023).  Combined Effects of Concentration, pH, and Polycrystalline Copper Surfaces on Electrocatalytic Nitrate-to-Ammonia Activity and Selectivity. ACS Catalysis, 13(7), 4178-4192. https://doi.org/10.1021/acscatal.2c05136

Conferences and Poster Presentations

Giammalvo, K., Fairley-Wax, T., Song, H., Raskin, L., Skerlos, S. Designing a Recirculating Dynamic Membrane Bioreactor for Full-Scale Municipal Wastewater Treatment. Poster Presentation at 2023 Borchardt Conference 26th Triennial Symposium on Advancements in Water & Wastewater. (May 2023, Ann Arbor, MI)

Giammalvo, K. et al. Heated Dynamic Membrane Method to Reduce Energy Demand in Anaerobic Digestion. Poster Presentation at 17th World Conference on Anaerobic Digestion. (17-22 June 2022, Ann Arbor, MI)