Kendra Folsom Email & Phone Number

Maplewood, Mn

I use thermal analysis techniques, such as DSC, TGA, and rheology, to determine material properties. This process involves preparing samples, running and calibrating instrumentation, and analyzing data. I work with a wide variety of samples including polymer resins, adhesives, films, webs, abrasives, powders, gels, and liquids. The analysis programs used are Universal Analysis, TRIOS, and STARe Evaluation Software.I also preform competitive product analysis on abrasives. This consists of gravimetric analysis, mineral grading, and qualitative analysis of solvent extracts with FTIR. Optical microscopy and other analytical techniques are also used as needed. IR data is evaluated with Varian Resolutions Pro, and microscopic images are taken and edited with Leica Application Suite software.

I assist in the development of electret filters. My tasks have included synthesizing additives, analyzing data, charging filters, testing filters and analyzing properties of material. I have utilized NMR, FTIR, TMA, TGA, DSC and other analysis techniques. I have also carried out computations using NWChem and UNIX systems to determine the thermodynamic properties of a reaction as well as ionization potentials of molecules.

My research is under Dr. Rollin A. King and focuses on the development of computational methods that assist in the determination of the absolute configuration of chiral products. These methods utilize theoretical and experimental optical rotations. My research is centered around theoretical calculations that incorporate solvent. Computations are carried out on UNIX systems with the Gaussian03 and PSI4 programs.

I researched under Professor Ronald T. Raines and aided in the efforts of graduate student Christine Bradford. Christine’s research focuses on the cytosolic delivery of macromolecules. I helped with the specific research goal of utilizing the anionic properties of heparin sulfate (present on the outside of epithelial cell membranes). The heparin sulfate interacts with cationic guanidino groups, which in turn can become an internalization aid via endocytosis. In my time with Christine, I synthesized various small molecules with guanidino groups.

The research of the Kiley Laboratory focuses primarily on the study of FNR which is a global regulator of gene expression. I prepared the necessary solutions, antibiotics, and agar plates that were needed to perform the laboratory research. I prepared everything using a sterile technique and also made sure that the lab equipment was sterilized by an autoclave and ready to use.

Bachelor'S Degree, Chemistry

Graduated with an American Chemical Society certified bachelor of science degree. Researched chiroptical properties of molecules utilizing.

Education record