About CISTAR
CISTAR's Mission
Key techno-economic objectives include expanding the use of natural gas as a feedstock in chemical processes while realizing economic gains alongside reduced environmental impacts through innovations in catalysis, separations, and process enhancements as well as electrification and decarbonization. CISTAR researchers and educators will help accelerate the transition by working to achieve the following overarching goals for the center:
- Producing new, broadly disseminated, and impactful science for energy and fuels technology from shale gas hydrocarbons;
- Generating intellectual property to support commercialization of new technologies;
- Demonstrating a combined experimental-computational approach to materials discovery that can be applied beyond hydrocarbon research;
- Providing leading-edge analysis of important environmental issues associated with shale gas upgrading;
- Developing an effective, well-trained workforce of innovative students with technical and professional skills; and
- Informing the public about safe and environmentally responsible ways to use U.S. hydrocarbon resources.
CISTAR'S FOUR PILLARS
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CISTAR's four pillars, research, innovation ecosystem, engineering workforce development, and access & societal impact, are designed to enable CISTAR to achieve these goals. Engagement and implementation of each pillar are vital to CISTAR’s success as an ERC. |
Research
We advance the science and engineering of catalytic, separation, and process technologies, enabling small, modular, and networked plants that efficiently convert natural gas liquids into valuable products. Our research is guided by techno-economic and life-cycle analysis to ensure real-world impact.
Engineering Workforce Development
CISTAR prepares a collaborative, highly skilled workforce through hands-on research, mentoring, and outreach from K-12 to graduate levels. Our programs foster the technical and professional skills needed for future leaders in energy and manufacturing.
Innovation Ecosystem
We bridge academia and industry, accelerating technology transfer and commercialization. Our robust industrial partnership program provides members with privileged access to intellectual property, research insights, and a pipeline of talented graduates.
Access & Societal Impact
CISTAR is committed to building a collaborative environment where effective learners and researchers thrive. Our outreach and education initiatives promote STEM pathways that are accessible and enhance public understanding of responsible energy use.
