Our research group uses fundamental theoretical and experimental approaches to study transport processes involving small particles in polymer solutions and gels. This work has applications in bioseparation techniques, most of which make use of the sieving effect of hydrogels to separate biological macromolecules, and also in numerous suspension-processing operations. Our overall effort has significant overlap with the fields of colloid science, fluid mechanics and biochemical engineering.

Dr. Runnebaum has a joint appointment as Assistant Professor in Viticulture & Enology and in Chemical Engineering & Materials Science. His research program aims to combine his interests in sustainable winemaking with his research background in nanomaterials, adsorption, heterogeneous catalysis, and reaction engineering. Winemaking-related projects include 1) Developing materials to capture CO2 and volatile organic compounds, especially from fermentation; 2) Developing fundamental understanding for the production of chemicals from winery waste streams; and 3) Designing solid-state materials for the replacement of solution-based treatments, particularly those that could improve sustainability. In addition, Dr. Runnebaum continues to investigate fundamental structure-activity relationships in chemical adsorption and reaction by nanomaterials, including zeolites and supported organometallic clusters.