People
Emma C. Brace, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Engineering
Environmental Studies (courtesy)
emma.brace@bc.edu
Assistant Professor, Department of Engineering
Environmental Studies (courtesy)
emma.brace@bc.edu
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 Boston 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
Ruby Barnett
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Jan. 2026 - present
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Jan. 2026 - present
Luke Baxter
Undergraduate Research Fellow
May 2024 - present
Undergraduate Research Fellow
May 2024 - present
Madeleine Choe
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Jan. 2026 - present
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Jan. 2026 - present
Isabella (Bella) Doyle
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Nov 2023 - present
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Nov 2023 - present
Max Laure
Undergraduate Research Assistant
June 2026 - Present
Undergraduate Research Assistant
June 2026 - Present
Gillian Mohr
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Jan 2024 - present
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Jan 2024 - present
Quinn Raynak
Undergraduate Research Assistant
September 2026 - present
Undergraduate Research Assistant
September 2026 - present
Charlotte (Charlie) Tonelli
Undergraduate Research Fellow
Aug. 2024 - present
Undergraduate Research Fellow
Aug. 2024 - present
Lil' Baldy
Lab Mascot & Assistant
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, Boston
- Melanie Cotta, HCE '26, Undergraduate Researcher May 2024 - May 2026; currently pursuing a PhD in Materials Science & Engineering at CU Boulder
- 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 Environmental
- Samuel Luzuriaga, HCE '26, Undergraduate Research Fellow January - May 2025
- Avery Suza, HCE '26, Undergraduate Research Fellow May – December 2024
- Bennett Lewis, Boston College HCE student, Undergraduate Research Assistant/Fellow October 2023 – May 2024
- STEAM Ahead High School Summer Research Interns: Chris & Fatoumata, 2025; Curtis & Victoria, 2026
Group Photos
Fall 2023: Bennett Lewis, Bella Doyle, Dr. Brace
Spring 2024: Claire Richter, Bennett Lewis, Dr. Brace, Isabella Doyle, Gillian Mohr
Summer 2024: Avery Suza, Mel Cotta, Dr. Brace, Luke Baxter
Fall 2024: Luke, Bella, Avery; Will, Claire, Gillian, Charlie; Mel Dr. Brace, Dr. Chipkar
Spring 2025: Will, Charlie, Dr. Chipkar; Luke, Bella, Claire, Gill; Sam, Dr. Brace, Mell, Malik
Summer 2025: Charlie, Mel, Claire, Dr. Brace, Jane, Dr. Sarvada
Fall 2025: Luke, Jane, Claire, Bella, Dr. Sarvada; Mel, Will, Dr. Brace, Gillian, Charlie
Spring 2026: Dr. Sarvada, Will, Charlie, Bella, Dr. Brace, Mel, Gill, Ruby, Claire, Maddy, Luke (Jane not pictured)
Summer 2026: Charlie, Max, Dr. Brace, Jane, Dr. Sarvada
Fall 2026: Max, Charlie, Quinn, Luke, Maddy, Ruby, Dr. Brace, Bella, Gill, Dr. Sarvada