I have worked in the Dickey research group for over four years. My projects have included precisely controlling stiffness in double network hydrogels, laser sintering EGaIn nanoparticles, laser-induced graphene, electroadhesion using liquid metal, and exploring the triboelectric properties of self-assembled monolayers.

Project Title: "Fabricating Novel Geometries of GA-CH Aerogels"Low-density aerogels are typically too fragile for machining. Therefore, I explored a wax-filling method that made them machinable. Characterization techniques required for this project included scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X-ray imaging. This new fabrication technique may be used in future inertial confinement fusion experiments at fusion facilities NIF, OMEGA, and… Show more Project Title: "Fabricating Novel Geometries of GA-CH Aerogels"Low-density aerogels are typically too fragile for machining. Therefore, I explored a wax-filling method that made them machinable. Characterization techniques required for this project included scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X-ray imaging. This new fabrication technique may be used in future inertial confinement fusion experiments at fusion facilities NIF, OMEGA, and Z.This research was presented at the American Physical Society Division of Plasma Physics 2021 Research Conference in Pittsburgh, PA. Show less

I was responsible for quickly cleaning tables during peak hours. I also was frequently responsible for placing customers at tables and responding to any requests they had. From this experience I learned many valuable skills on how to effectively communicate with customers.

Project title: "Tetraethyl Orthosilicate-Polyacrylonitrile Hybrid Membranes and their Application in Redox Flow Batteries"In this project I tested the effect of increasing the hydrophilicity of polyacrylonitrile membranes using tetraethyl orthosilicate on their performance in redox flow batteries. During this project I had to build a redox flow battery, perform contact angle measurements, use UV-Vis Spectroscopy to determine concentrations of solutions, and perform pH measurements. This… Show more Project title: "Tetraethyl Orthosilicate-Polyacrylonitrile Hybrid Membranes and their Application in Redox Flow Batteries"In this project I tested the effect of increasing the hydrophilicity of polyacrylonitrile membranes using tetraethyl orthosilicate on their performance in redox flow batteries. During this project I had to build a redox flow battery, perform contact angle measurements, use UV-Vis Spectroscopy to determine concentrations of solutions, and perform pH measurements. This project received the Materials Science award at the 2019 ISEF Region 3b and semi-finalist at the 2019 North Carolina Junior Science and Humanities Symposium. Show less