Jacob Belding

I am a Chemical Engineering Ph.D. from Cornell University, graduating July 2026. My doctoral research in the NSF CROPPS Center focused on engineering and characterizing genetically modified reporter plants for precision agriculture, combining optical characterization, computer vision, and closed-loop control systems. I also have experience in agent-based modeling of financial markets, molecular dynamics simulation, and computational chemistry.

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Education

Cornell University

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering
Aug 2022 – Jul 2026

Thesis: Characterization and Utilization of Engineered Nitrogen Reporter Plants. Advised by Abraham Stroock. NSF Graduate Research Fellow. GPA: 4.29/4.30.

The Ohio State University

B.S. in Chemical Engineering
Aug 2017 – May 2022

Summa Cum Laude, with Honors in Engineering, with Honors Research Distinction. Eminence Fellow. GPA: 4.00/4.00.

Research Experience

Graduate Research Fellow — Stroock Lab, CROPPS

Cornell University
Jun 2024 – Present

Lead researcher on the RedAlert Living Sensors project: engineered tomato plants that signal nitrogen deficiency through visible pigment change. Built optical characterization apparatus, computer vision pipelines, and a closed-loop fertigation control system. Led a cross-disciplinary team of ~20 researchers. 2nd Place, Collegiate Inventors Competition.

Graduate Researcher — Varner & Tester Labs

Cornell University
Aug 2022 – May 2024

Agent-based modeling of the EU Emission Trading System in Julia; demonstrated the model could retroactively predict market collapse. Manuscript in preparation.

Undergraduate Researcher — Lin Lab

The Ohio State University
Aug 2019 – May 2022

Molecular dynamics simulations (LAMMPS) evaluating nanoporous membrane pore geometries for reverse osmosis desalination. Completed Honors Research Thesis.

Globalink Summer Researcher

University of Alberta (Fulbright Canada – Mitacs)
May – Aug 2021

Density-functional theory calculations supporting characterization of zeolite-catalyzed biofuel production intermediates.

Industry & Government

Photovoltaic Systems Validation Intern

NASA Glenn Research Center (Pathways, 2 rotations)
Jan 2020 – Apr 2021

Solar simulator operation, high-altitude flight validation support, IR optical characterization platform development. Assisted on PILS flight hardware for Astrobotic's Peregrine Mission One.

R&D Intern, Packaging Innovation

Procter & Gamble (2 rotations)
May 2018 – Aug 2019

Competitive product analysis and validation testing; chemical foaming process development for structural opacity in PET bottles; automated prototype digitization.

CRISPR Lab Analyst

Battelle Memorial Institute
Jun 2017 – May 2018

CRISPR gene-editing experiments on E. coli and HEK293 cell lines in the CBRNE Defense Division.

Teaching

Head Teaching Assistant — Fluid Mechanics

Cornell University
Jan – May 2023

Managed a team of 8 TAs; authored course materials and exams; achieved highest TA team performance rating.

Teaching Assistant (5 rotations)

The Ohio State University
Fall 2019 – Spring 2022

Separations Processes, Transport Phenomena I, Thermodynamics, Kinetics & Reactor Design, Unit Operations Laboratory.

Honors & Awards

  • 1st Place Outstanding Chalk Talk, Cornell CBE Graduate Research Symposium 2026
  • 2nd Place, Collegiate Inventors Competition (National Inventors Hall of Fame) 2025
  • NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (GRFP) 2023–2026
  • 2nd Place Outstanding Poster, Cornell CBE Graduate Research Symposium 2025
  • Outstanding Student Award, Ohio State Dept. of Chemical Engineering 2022
  • Churchill Scholarship Nominee, The Ohio State University 2021
  • Fulbright Canada – Mitacs Globalink Fellowship 2020–2021
  • Eminence Fellowship, The Ohio State University 2017–2022

Leadership & Service

  • President, ChEGSA (2025–2026) — Led executive board of 15 to plan weekly and monthly events for the Cornell CBE community.
  • Class Representative & Webmaster, ChEGSA (2024–2025)
  • Mastery Badge in Engineering Leadership Fundamentals — Selander Center for Engineering Leadership (6 clinics).
  • W.O.M.E.N. Outreach (2023–2024) — School liaison and trivia host for high school girls exploring chemical engineering research.
  • Trivia Host, Cornell Big Red Barn Graduate & Professional Student Center (2024–2026).
  • Graduate School Mentor, AIChE OSU Student Chapter (2022–2026).
  • Eagle Scout Award (2017).

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