A senior at the University of Rochester in New York, Daniel Fink is earning his Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering with a minor in environmental engineering. Fink has excelled academically and made the Dean’s List each semester since becoming a student at the university.
Fink’s research has focused on green energy initiatives. In the summer of 2008, he was awarded the Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship at the prestigious Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California, where he explored electrolyte degradation in lithium ion batteries. Prior to his internship, Fink was a lab assistant and performed research on the feasibility of using novel-proton-conducting membranes for solid oxide fuel cells. In 2007, Fink completed feasibility research on wind turbine installation at the University of Rochester and organized an anemometer study. In his role as the project coordinator, he developed a turbine installation-consulting program and is currently a private consultant.
Fink’s chemical and engineering projects range from work in Mozambique on water purification technologies and the development of coconut oil to biodiesel recipe to a bio-oil initiative at the University of Rochester. Fink was awarded the MIT Clean Energy Entrepreneurship Prize and second place in the 2007 Forbes Competition for his plan on how to use waste vegetable oil to produce biodiesel. His business plan was incorporated into the university’s curriculum and transportation system.
Fink’s research on the impact of electrolyte degradation in lithium ion battery performance has been published in The Journal of Electrochemical Society and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science Journal of Undergraduate Research. Fink also has given oral presentations at the Pacific Rim Meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers Conference in Philadelphia, Penn.
The smaller size of the University of Rochester appealed to Fink because it allowed him to become more involved and pursue his interests in science and research. He is a member of numerous collegiate organizations including the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and Outdoors Club. In addition, Fink is a teaching assistant, organic chemical tutor, chemical engineering mentor, and president and business manager of Engineers for a Sustainable World (ESW).
Fink is a native of Medford, New Jersey where his parents and younger brother currently reside. In his spare time, he enjoys cycling, rock climbing, hiking, and snow skiing. Fink’s goal is to start a technology-based company dealing in green energy.
