HPLC chromatography and analytics of major cannabinoids for cannabis production facility.

At Solvay, I had the pleasure of working with a senior scientist investigating specialty chemicals for the agricultural industry. Specifically, we worked to design adjuvants from green solvents for use with multiple pesticide chemicals commonly used in industry. I utilized confocal microscopy to monitor the penetration depth to compare industry standard formulations to formulations with our newly designed adjuvants. I conducted data analysis and wrote a technical report on my work with sample preparation and confocal microscopy techniques. Toward the end of my contract, I transitioned to germinating and growing plants (ivy-leaf morning glory) to conduct proof-of-concept testing in a spray chamber.

At Oriental Yuhong North American, a branch laboratory for Beijing Oriental Yuhong, I helped to explore new waterproof cementitious coatings for industrial applications. By mixing in-house synthesized emulsion polymers with different additives and a blend of cement powder, we synthesized and tested numerous compositions of cementitious coatings in search of a coating displaying high hydrophobicity while also retaining much of its mechanical properties. In this laboratory, I was not only able to experience materials research and development but to contribute my own ideas to the project. After only being on board for 2.5 months, I was able to redirect the trajectory of our next emulsion polymer which lead to a product that ultimately expanded the compositional footprint of the patented product, HWR-104 (High Water Resistant). I am incredibly grateful for my time at Oriental Yuhong North American as I not only gained substantial experience, but I created meaningful bonds with everyone in the laboratory, an aspect that is paramount to a joyful, fruitful working experience.

The Ecological Restoration Group of the Philadelphia Water Department primarily worked on stream restoration projects throughout the city of Philadelphia. The need for restoration was often due to old sewer pipes (some buried in 1905) which run beneath streams and rivers becoming exposed posing the threat of pipe failure resulting in raw sewage flow. This is incredibly dangerous as Philadelphia's waste water treatment plants lie downstream of these exposed sewers. During my time with the group, I designed a prioritization database for the queued restoration projects which enabled group members to directly input field survey data into the database via a tablet. Upon entering the data, the potential or ongoing projects would be ranked by severity so that the direst potential problems could be prevented from occurring at all. Furthermore, I participated in the Freshwater Mussell Propagation facility, a part of the Clean Waters Initiative, by creating a tank for the host fish required for mussell propagation. This experience was incredibly meaningful to me as I felt my work impacted my community in a positive way.