<aside> 💡
Silvanus Junior Darkey is a Ghanaian researcher and chemical engineer currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at Virginia Tech. His academic journey began at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana, where he earned his bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering. During his undergraduate studies, he demonstrated early research prowess through significant projects, including work with Prof. Darkwa on microbial degradation of cyanide waste and collaboration with Dr. Godfred Ohene-Boahen on designing plants for biolubricant production from waste vegetable oils.
</aside>
<aside> 💡
Following his graduation, Darkey served as a teaching and research assistant in KNUST's Department of Chemical Engineering, contributing to both academic instruction and research initiatives. His transition to Virginia Tech was preceded by valuable experience as a research assistant in the Multi-physics and Modeling laboratory, where he conducted molecular dynamics simulations of biosurfactants under Prof. Luke Achenie's guidance.
</aside>
<aside> 💡
From Jan 2024 to Jan 2025, as a research assistant in the Xin Group, Darkey worked on the innovative field of generative design for high-entropy alloys, specifically targeting sustainable catalysis applications. More this research can be viewed here:
</aside>
<aside> 💡
Current Research
Currently, as a research assistant in the Khatib Group, my research interests center on synthesizing and optimizing perovskite catalysts, particularly LaNiO₃ and novel substituted variants, for the thermal decomposition of methane to produce hydrogen and structured carbon nanomaterials. Ultimately, my research seeks to establish new paradigms in methane valorization by pioneering catalysts with superior selectivity, durability, and tunable nanostructures through both experimental and theoretical approaches.
Research Philosophy
My research philosophy is deeply rooted in environmental sustainability and the strategic integration of technology with engineering principles. Darkey's vision extends beyond conventional boundaries, as he actively pursues the application of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence to accelerate material discovery, contributing to the advancement of sustainable engineering solutions.
</aside>