People

Emma C. Brace, Ph.D.
Emma C. Brace, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Engineering
Environmental Studies (courtesy)

Dr. Brace (she/her) went to college as a first-generation college student and just kept going until she earned a PhD. Her research interests include bioprocessing and bioseparations to develop new bioproducts; quantitative sustainable design (incorporating TEA and LCA) of biorefineries; and engineering education. Dr. Brace is currently an Assistant Professor at °¬¿ÉÖ±²¥ College in the newly-formed Engineering Department. She also has a courtesy appointment in the Environmental Studies program.

  • Postdoc, Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 2020-2023
  • PhD, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, 8/2020
  • MS, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, 8/2016
  • BS, Biological Systems Engineering, Chemistry Minor, Kansas State University, 5/2014

Current Group Members: Fall 2026

Sarvada Chipkar, Ph.D.
Sarvada Chipkar, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Sept. 2024 – present

Ruby Barnett
Ruby Barnett
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Jan. 2026 - present
Luke Baxter
Luke Baxter
Undergraduate Research Fellow
May 2024 - present
Madeleine Choe
Madeleine Choe
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Jan. 2026 - present
Isabella (Bella) Doyle
Isabella (Bella) Doyle
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Nov 2023 - present
Max Laure
Max Laure
Undergraduate Research Assistant
June 2026 - Present
Gillian Mohr
Gillian Mohr
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Jan 2024 - present
Quinn Raynak
Quinn Raynak
Undergraduate Research Assistant
September 2026 - present
Charlotte (Charlie) Tonelli
Charlotte (Charlie) Tonelli
Undergraduate Research Fellow
Aug. 2024 - present
Lil' Baldy
Lil' Baldy
Lab Mascot & Assistant

Group Alumni

  • Jane Ginley, HCE '25, MS Finance '26, Graduate Research Assistant 2025 - 2026
  • Will Rice, HCE '26, Undergraduate Researcher January 2024 - May 2026; currently a Deputy Project Manager at AECOM, °¬¿ÉÖ±²¥Ìý
  • Melanie Cotta, HCE '26, Undergraduate Researcher May 2024 - May 2026; currently pursuing a PhD in Materials Science & Engineering at CU BoulderÌý
  • Claire Richter, HCE '26, Undergraduate Researcher January 2024 - May 2026; currently a dental assistant before going to dental school
  • Malik Robinson, Environmental Studies Senior Thesis Student 2024 - 2025, now an Environmental Specialist at Triumvirate EnvironmentalÌý
  • Samuel Luzuriaga, HCE '26, Undergraduate Research Fellow January - May 2025
  • Avery Suza, HCE '26, Undergraduate Research Fellow May – December 2024
  • Bennett Lewis, °¬¿ÉÖ±²¥ College HCE student, Undergraduate Research Assistant/Fellow October 2023 – May 2024
  • STEAM Ahead High School Summer Research Interns: Chris & Fatoumata, 2025; Curtis & Victoria, 2026Ìý

Connect with the Brace Lab

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