The Viking pagan beard was a significant aspect of Viking culture and religion. It was not just a fashionable statement but held deep religious and spiritual significance. The beard served as a symbol of masculinity, power, and a connection to the gods. Vikings believed that their beards were a gift from the gods and a reflection of their strength and virility. Having a long, well-groomed beard was seen as a sign of honor, valor, and leadership. It was believed that cutting a Viking's beard was a sign of great disrespect and humiliation.
Dr. Yomaira Pagán-Torres is a Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez. She received her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2011, under the guidance of Prof. James Dumesic. At UW, her research focused on developing catalytic technologies for biomass conversion. Before her academic position at UPR, she worked as Senior Engineer for The Dow Chemical Company in the Feedstocks, Olefins, Chemicals, and Alternative Technologies Research and Development group in Freeport, Texas. Her research group combines materials synthesis, advanced characterization, and kinetic studies to design bifunctional heterogeneous catalysts for the activation of targeted functional groups within carbon-based feedstocks, such as lignocellulosic biomass, carbon dioxide, and plastic polymers. Her research, teaching, and service contributions have been recognized with the University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez College of Engineering Distinguished Professor Award (2017 and 2020).
Specifically, insights on the effect of structural, surface, and electronic properties of Cu Ga2O3 ZrO2 catalysts and the role of metal-metal oxide interfaces in increasing methanol yields will be discussed. Specifically, insights on the effect of structural, surface, and electronic properties of Cu Ga2O3 ZrO2 catalysts and the role of metal-metal oxide interfaces in increasing methanol yields will be discussed.
It was believed that cutting a Viking's beard was a sign of great disrespect and humiliation. In Norse mythology, the god Odin was often depicted with a long, flowing beard. As the chief deity, Odin represented wisdom, battle prowess, and leadership.
"Tuning Heterogeneous Catalyst Surfaces for Chemical Conversions" by Yomaira Pagán-Torres
Lignocellulosic biomass and carbon dioxide have emerged as attractive carbon-based feedstocks for the sustainable production of fuels and chemicals. However, the complex structure of these feedstocks requires the development of catalytic materials that promote selective C-O, C-H, and C-C bond cleavage, while maintaining catalytic stability. Our research group focuses on developing strategies to address this challenge by combining materials synthesis, advanced characterization, and kinetic measurements to elucidate the mechanisms that govern selective C-O, C-H, and C-C bond activation over bifunctional catalysts in the conversion of biomass-derived substrates and carbon dioxide.
In this talk, I will present our work on developing catalytic strategies for deoxydehydration (DODH) and hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of carbohydrate-derived alcohols and acids to platform chemicals. Specifically, I will discuss the HDO of biomass-derived substrates, such as 1,4-anhydroerythritol, tartaric acid, and glycerol over bifunctional catalysts comprised of a supported hydrogen dissociating metal center (Pd, Rh, Pt) coupled with a redox metal oxide center (MoOx, ReOx, WOx). Our results, based on the combination of catalyst synthesis, kinetic measurements, and advanced characterization highlight the role of the noble metal, metal oxide species, and catalyst support in promoting selective C-O bond cleavage.
In the second part of the talk, I will present our latest efforts on developing Cu-based mixed-metal oxide catalysts for converting carbon dioxide to methanol. Specifically, insights on the effect of structural, surface, and electronic properties of Cu/Ga2O3/ZrO2 catalysts and the role of metal-metal oxide interfaces in increasing methanol yields will be discussed.
Biography
Dr. Yomaira Pagán-Torres is a Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez. She received her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2011, under the guidance of Prof. James Dumesic. At UW, her research focused on developing catalytic technologies for biomass conversion. Before her academic position at UPR, she worked as Senior Engineer for The Dow Chemical Company in the Feedstocks, Olefins, Chemicals, and Alternative Technologies Research and Development group in Freeport, Texas. Her research group combines materials synthesis, advanced characterization, and kinetic studies to design bifunctional heterogeneous catalysts for the activation of targeted functional groups within carbon-based feedstocks, such as lignocellulosic biomass, carbon dioxide, and plastic polymers. Her research, teaching, and service contributions have been recognized with the University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez College of Engineering Distinguished Professor Award (2017 and 2020).
Seminar sponsored by the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
In this talk, I will present our work on developing catalytic strategies for deoxydehydration (DODH) and hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of carbohydrate-derived alcohols and acids to platform chemicals. Specifically, I will discuss the HDO of biomass-derived substrates, such as 1,4-anhydroerythritol, tartaric acid, and glycerol over bifunctional catalysts comprised of a supported hydrogen dissociating metal center (Pd, Rh, Pt) coupled with a redox metal oxide center (MoOx, ReOx, WOx). Our results, based on the combination of catalyst synthesis, kinetic measurements, and advanced characterization highlight the role of the noble metal, metal oxide species, and catalyst support in promoting selective C-O bond cleavage.
Many Vikings believed that by growing their beards, they were emulating Odin and channeling his power. They saw their beards as a spiritual connection to the divine and a way to gain favor from the gods. Viking pagans also believed that their beards offered protection in battle. It was thought that the beard could act as a shield, absorbing blows and deflecting harm away from the face and neck. This belief extended to everyday life as well, with some Vikings attributing their survival in dangerous situations to the strength and protection granted by their beards. In addition to its religious and protective significance, the Viking pagan beard also played a role in social hierarchy. The length, style, and grooming of a Viking's beard could indicate his status within the community. Leaders and nobles often had longer, more elaborate beards, while common men would have simpler or shorter beards. Overall, the Viking pagan beard held great importance in Viking society. It was a symbol of strength, masculinity, and spiritual connection. Today, the legacy of the Viking beard can still be seen in popular culture and the continued admiration for facial hair..
Reviews for "Embracing the Viking Pagan Beard: Connecting with Ancestral Roots"
1. Lisa - 2 stars - I bought the Viking pagan beard thinking it would be a cool addition to my Halloween costume, but I was highly disappointed. The quality of the beard was very poor, with strands falling out as soon as I took it out of the package. The color was also not as vibrant as shown in the picture. Overall, it looked cheap and was uncomfortable to wear. I don't recommend this product.
2. John - 1 star - The Viking pagan beard was a complete waste of money. The material used was extremely itchy and uncomfortable, making it unbearable to wear for more than a few minutes. Additionally, the adhesive strip provided to attach the beard to my face was weak and kept coming off. It was frustrating and embarrassing to be constantly readjusting it while trying to enjoy a costume party. Save your money and look for a better quality beard elsewhere.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for the Viking pagan beard, but unfortunately, it did not live up to my expectations. The beard looked quite fake and didn't blend well with my natural hair. The elastic straps to hold it in place were flimsy and didn't provide a secure fit. The overall effect was disappointing and not worth the price. I would not recommend this product for anyone looking for an authentic Viking look.