Clare Boothe Luce Engineering Scholars Program

The Clare Boothe Luce Engineering Scholars Program (CBL-ESP) is a partnership program of Villanova’s College of Engineering and the Center for Research & Fellowships (CRF).

The goal of CBL-ESP is to inspire and prepare engineering undergraduates to obtain PhDs and pursue research-oriented careers in industry and academia.

First- and Second-Year undergraduates in the College are eligible to apply to CBL-ESP. The Program features distinctive and sequential research experiences accompanied by intentional mentorship from faculty, alumnae and graduate students.

First-Year Students
Your CBL-ESP experience begins with CRF’s Villanova Match Research Program for First Year Students (Match). Visit this site to learn more about eligibility requirements and CBL-ESP specific Match opportunities during the spring term.

Second-Year Students
Your CBL-ESP experience begins with CRF’s Villanova Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program (VURF).

Information about eligibility requirements and CBL-ESP specific VURF opportunities will be made available in the Spring 2021 term.

For more information, please contact Professor Seri Park, Director, CBL-ESP (seri.park@villanova.edu) or cbl-esp@villanova.edu.

CBL-ESP is supported by a grant from the Henry Luce Foundation’s Clare Boothe Luce Program and Villanova’s College of Engineering.

STUDENT RESEARCH NEWS

Engineering Freshman Investigates State of Carbon Taxation

Through the Clare Booth Luce Engineering Scholars Program, Victoria Margenat ’24 ME is working with Dr. Aaron Wemhoff, associate professor of Mechanical Engineering and researcher in Villanova’s Center for Energy-Smart Electronic Systems (ES2), on analyzing carbon taxation strategies with a specific focus on reducing the environmental footprint of data centers.

Research suggests that moringa oleifera seeds have potential for the removal of copper from water.

Students Investigate the Use of Natural Materials to Treat Drinking Water Sources

A highlight of Villanova’s Chemical and Biological Engineering program is the department’s two-semester Senior Project Studio through which undergraduates can participate in an industry-sponsored or faculty-advised design or research project. This year, three teams are working with professors Dorothy Skaf and Vito Punzi to explore the use of natural materials to treat water for colloidal suspended solids removal.

Undergraduate Works with Villanova Professor to Address Energy Efficiency Issues in Cannabis Industry

Undergraduate Works with Villanova Professor to Address Energy Efficiency Issues in Cannabis Industry

Mechanical Engineering junior Tara Housen and Associate Professor Dr. Aaron Wemhoff are partnering with HVAC equipment design firm, Surna Inc., to advance efficiency in dehumidification technology in cannabis grow facilities, which is a major contributor to the growing industry’s substantial energy usage. This project does not focus on promoting cannabis use or advancing the cannabis industry, but rather identifying opportunities for energy and carbon savings.