I believe in a computational research-focused future. Computation can dramatically diminish the costs, duration, and hazards of laboratory research–helpful for developing sustainable processes and producing necessary products efficiently in an increasingly polluted, overpopulated world. The rising value of computational research, as well as my fascination with both chemistry research and computer programming, have cemented my goal of becoming a computational chemist. Going to graduate school is my next step towards using computation to solve problems in organic, inorganic, or environmental chemistry–with the intention of reducing planetary pollution and improving human lives.I first discovered my interest in chemistry research in Dr. Eric McFarland’s laboratory at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) studying metal-catalyzed methane pyrolysis. Success didn’t come easily: I worked independently for eight months in order to obtain high-quality data, demonstrating the perseverance I bring to every research challenge I encounter.Afterwards, I interned in two other research laboratories: Reaction35, where I analyzed solutions’ physical properties, and Dr. Liming Zhang’s group at UCSB, where I synthesized organic catalysts. Gradually, I found that I enjoy studying chemistry theory and computation most, so last June I began conducting computational research investigating the bifurcation-like isomerization reactions of cyclobutylidene with UCSB Professor Emeritus Dr. Donald Aue. My fascination with this project stems from my passions for coding, theory, and discovering new reactivity. Recently, I presented a poster about our work to high-level researchers at the 2023 SoCalTheoChem Conference held at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Aue Group
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Computational Chemistry ResearcherAue Group Jun 2023 - PresentGoleta, California, United StatesDevelop theoretical approaches for examining cyclobutylidene bifurcation-like isomerization reactions that lead to 5 or more separate products while working directly with Dr. Donald Aue, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry at the University of California, Santa BarbaraImprove command-line coding abilities through extensive use of Linux to feed molecular trajectory and geometrical optimization jobs onto a supercomputer, which returns useful, complex data in reasonable timeframesOptimize ground state structures for over 15 different molecules at the B3LYP-GD3(BJ)/6-31G(d) level of theory, giving accurate start points for further dynamics calculationsAssess thousands of BOMD molecular trajectory simulations on Molden to determine the specific reaction pathways taken by various cyclobutylidene transition states at different temperatures, providing statistical information about reaction mechanisms and products formedUtilize published scientific literature to base theoretical simulations upon and report novel findings about reaction pathways involving cyclobutylidene, such as its previously undiscovered reaction to form ethylene and ethenylidene (seen in over 10 separate reaction simulations)Write and prepare academic paper for future publication that explains research findings; created and presented poster describing results at 2023 SoCalTheoChem Conference
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Organic Chemistry Research InternZhang Laboratory Oct 2022 - Jan 2023University Of California, Santa Barbara, CaliforniaSynthesized at least 2 conjugated organic compounds per week that are precursors for stereospecific saccharide bond-forming catalysts while working directly with a postdoctoral fellow of chemistryMonitored product yield, purity, and structure for over 30 different reactions via mass measurements, thin-layer chromatography, and NMR spectroscopy to conclude whether synthetic routes used provide enough high-quality product to be viable on an industrial scaleCompleted complex product workups in order to purify crude product material in yields typically above 95%Adhered to green chemical principles by developing and implementing processes requiring minimal time (often less than 30 minutes), energy, and costs while maintaining high product purity and yield
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Laboratory Research Intern And TechnicianReaction35, Llc May 2022 - Oct 2022Goleta, CaConducted experiments in highly acidic environments (pH<0) to quantitatively analyze both the heat transfer and salt solubility when mixing a hydrobromic acid and sulfuric acid solution with various saltsAnalyzed results from heat transfer and solubility experiments daily using ion chromatography and Microsoft Excel to contribute to creating a time- and cost-efficient process for the conversion of hazardous organic waste into usable feedstock for large chemical companiesManaged responsibilities throughout the 8-hour work day in order to set up and run hours-long experiments and attend important meetings, ensuring efficient data acquisition, analysis, and presentationEnhanced leadership and communication skills by presenting experimental work and data analysis at weekly group meetings in the presence of research chemists, lab managers, and executive officers -
Chemical Engineering Research InternMcfarland Laboratory Oct 2021 - Jun 2022University Of California, Santa Barbara, CaConducted research experiments using molten metals to catalyze methane pyrolysis at temperatures upwards of 1000 °C while working directly with Dr. Eric McFarland, Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of California, Santa BarbaraStudied the kinetics of metal-catalyzed methane pyrolysis by monitoring gas pressures to determine temperature-varying reaction rate constants, which need to be ≥1 in order to make this an economically-viable large-scale production method for green hydrogenObtained valuable, quantitative kinetic information from complex data sets by developing and implementing novel analytic methods through Microsoft Excel and MathematicaPresented detailed results in weekly group meetings with various graduate students, postdoctoral faculty, and professorsOvercame experimental challenges related to inaccurate bubbling of gases into solution by trying new techniques daily, reading literature on related topics, and discussing the issues with various faculty and graduate students
River Samet Education Details
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Chemistry -
Sir Francis Drake High School
Frequently Asked Questions about River Samet
What company does River Samet work for?
River Samet works for Aue Group
What is River Samet's role at the current company?
River Samet's current role is Computational Chemistry Researcher at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
What schools did River Samet attend?
River Samet attended Uc Santa Barbara, Sir Francis Drake High School.
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