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Ms. Blake Foret is an Energy Assessment and Outreach Engineer with the Energy Institute of Louisiana and the Louisiana Energy Extension Service (LEES) at the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½°²×¿Æƽâ°æ. A two-time ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½°²×¿Æƽâ°æ Lafayette graduate, she earned both her B.S. and M.S. in Chemical Engineering, where she focused on applied energy systems, materials, and community-centered engineering solutions. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Systems Engineering with a concentration in Chemical Engineering under the guidance of Dr. Mark E. Zappi, P.E.

In her role, Ms. Foret supports statewide outreach efforts, technical assessments, and energy education initiatives aimed at helping Louisiana communities and industries make informed, practical decisions. Her work bridges engineering practice with public engagement, ensuring that complex energy concepts are translated into clear, accessible guidance for stakeholders across the state. Her research engineer position is made possible through a generous contribution from ExxonMobil, supporting her efforts to expand energy literacy, strengthen community partnerships, and advance sustainable, science-driven solutions for Louisiana. Her dedication to service, technical expertise, and passion for helping others make her a key part of the LEES mission.

Doctor of Philosophy in Systems Engineering, Concentration in Chemical Engineering, Current
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Master of Science in Engineering, Concentration in Chemical Engineering, 2025
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Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, Concentration in Biomedical Engineering, Minors in Mathematics and Chemistry, 2023
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Cosmetology License, 2016
Omega Institute of Cosmetology

• Foret, B., et al. A Techno-Economic Analysis of Integrating an Urban Biorefinery Process Within 
  a Wastewater Treatment Plant to Produce Sustainable Wood Adhesives. Sustainability 2025, 17, 
  6679. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17156679  
• Canepa, J. R., Foret, B., et al. Biogas Upgrading into Renewable Natural Gas:   
  Part I - An Assessment of Available Technologies. Completed Underdraft. (2025). 
• Foret, B., Canepa, J. R., et al. Biogas Upgrading into Renewable Natural Gas:   
  Part II - An Assessment of Emerging Technologies. Completed Underdraft. (2025). 
• Foret, B., Shrestha, B., et al. A Review of Current and Emerging Technologies for the 
  Sustainable Utilization of Solar Energy in Water Disinfection. Underdraft. (2025). 
• Shrestha, B., Foret, B., et al. An Overview of the Potential for Municipal Wastewater Treatment 
  Plants to Be Integrated into Urban Biorefineries for the Production of Sustainable Bio-Based 
  Fuels and Other Chemicals. Curr Pollution Rep 10, 548–564 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40726-024-00318-6 
• Goulas J., et al. Effects of Carbon Templates in Tetraethyl Orthosilicate-Derived 
  Superhydrophobic Coatings, Langmuir, 39 (15), 5495-5504, (2023). 
  https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c00233

• Wastewater Solid Upcycling: Characterizing and optimizing the chemical extraction of waste proteins from municipal wastewater solids to synthesize high-performance, green wood bioadhesives.
• Urban Biorefinery Integration: Developing technical overviews modeling the feasibility of integrating municipal wastewater treatment facilities into urban biorefineries for the sustainable production of bio-based fuels and platform chemicals.
• Solar Water Disinfection: Conducting extensive technological assessments and literature reviews mapping current and emerging solar energy technologies deployed for sustainable water treatment and disinfection.
• Technical Writing & Platform Management: Generating technical data summaries of evolving energy systems and coordinating public outreach platform management to accelerate statewide energy literacy.

• ELA901 SAChE® Certificate Program - Chemical Process Safety in the Chemical Process Industries 
• ELA950 SAChE® Certificate Program - The Importance of Process Safety 
• ELA974 SAChE® - Hazards and Risk Introduction to Hazard Identification and Risk Analysis