Anne Carolyne Mendonca Cidreira

Biography

I am a chemical engineer passionate about materials research and development. I am driven by the opportunity to create innovative solutions that contribute to a sustainable future. During my undergraduate course, I learned how to apply the laws of conservation of mass, energy and momentum in chemical and biochemical processes. I also learned how to design different units, such as bioreactors, separators and extractors. The B.S. project was the first to use Acai berry residue to extract high-added-value bio-products, such as nanocellulose and lignin, enriching my experience in sustainable product development. At the State University of Campinas in Brazil, I studied how to apply the cellulose nanofibers from Acai berry residue to produce a hydrogel for topical wound healing. I am currently a Ph.D. candidate in the Ag and Biosystems Engineering Department at South Dakota State University, working on developing an environmentally friendly coating material for controlled-release fertilizer applications. I aspire to make meaningful contributions to the field of biomaterials science.