Provost Diversity Fellow: Elizabeth Czekaj

Elizabeth Czekaj, PhD candidate

Department and School
Earth and Environmental Engineering, Columbia Engineering

Bio
Elizabeth Czekaj is interested in carbon capture, utilization, and storage. She has a particular interest in the integration of carbon mineralization with the recovery of critical elements. While this process can be water-intensive, Elizabeth hopes to investigate ways to improve recycling efficiency to reduce its overall water demand. By integrating this carbon storage solution with critical metal recovery, Elizabeth hopes to create a sustainable approach to acquiring the elements that are crucial for today's technologies, including electric vehicle batteries. Before beginning her doctoral studies, Elizabeth earned a B.S. in Environmental Systems Engineering with a minor in Watersheds and Water Resources at Penn State University. Outside of the lab, Elizabeth enjoys playing basketball, baking, and cheering on the Nittany Lions and Steelers.

Advisor
Alissa Park, Lenfest Earth Institute Professor of Climate Change; Chair, Department of Earth and Environmental Engineering  

Favorite hangout on or off campus
The Hungarian Pastry Shop

Favorite self-care ritual
Taking walks

Recommended book
Light Candles...Not Fires by Andrew Merritt

To learn more about Elizabeth Czekaj, please connect with her via LinkedIn or email her directly.