Dr Maria Fernanda Rojas Michaga
School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering
Research Associate
Full contact details
School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering
Sir Frederick Mappin Building
Mappin Street
91̽»¨
S1 3JD
- Profile
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I am originally from Bolivia, where in 2013 I earned a Chemical Engineering degree at the Universidad Mayor de San Simón, recognised as the best student in the Faculty of Engineering. During my undergraduate studies, I gained practical experience as both a teaching and research assistant in biotechnology and bioprocesses. A scholarship from TotalEnergies enabled me to pursue a Master's in Energy and Processes at the IFP School in Paris, France. My studies encompassed petroleum refining and renewable fuels. Following my Master's, I completed an eight-month internship in the engineering department at a Bolivian petroleum refinery.
Upon finishing my eight-months training, I lectured in chemistry, physical chemistry, and thermodynamics at the Universidad Mayor de San Simón and Universidad Privada Boliviana for three years. A Bolivian scholarship then brought me to the UK for my PhD, focusing on sustainable aviation fuel production. During my PhD, I also worked part-time as graduate teaching assistant at the Diamond at the University of 91̽»¨, and as a research assistant on hydrogen production and CO2 capture technologies at the (TERC).
I joined the University of 91̽»¨ in 2024 as a Research Associate at TERC, continuing my work on sustainable aviation fuels, hydrogen production and CO2 capture and utilisation. I am currently involved in industry-led projects with partners such as Boeing, as well as government-funded initiatives.
- Research interests
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My research focuses on the development and optimization of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) using advanced chemical processes, such as Fischer-Tropsch and other certified and emerging technologies. Additionally, I explore carbon capture technologies like molten carbonate fuel cells, as well as hydrogen production. I also supervise projects related to energy systems for rural areas and waste management alongside other students in the research center. These scenarios are evaluated using process modeling tools like Aspen Plus, along with optimization techniques, and environmental and economic assessments to determine the feasibility of the various processes studied.
- Sustainable aviation fuels: Technoeconomic and environmental assessment of processes for producing aviation fuels from sustainable sources.
- Carbon capture and utilization: Exploring technologies to capture and repurpose carbon dioxide emissions.
- Hydrogen production: Technoeconomic and environmental assessment of processes for generating hydrogen as a clean energy carrier
- Publications
- Teaching activities
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Supervision of PhD students at Energy 2050 centre in Mechanical Engineering.