Thomas Sobyra Email & Phone Number

Lemont, Illinois, United States

I am developing data-driven decision-making using data analytics tools, report writing, and data visualization through Workday, Excel, Python, and PowerBi. I provide data analysis and reporting on employee hiring and turnover, survey responses, and demographics.

Lemont, Il

Analyzing large data sets of high-energy X-ray scattering measurements through computer modeling to investigate a class of 2D capacitor thin films called MXenes in order to gain insight into the atomic-level structure of these materials. MXenes encompass an enormous family of recently discovered and predicted 2D transition metal carbides, carbonitrides, and nitrides, with applicability in energy storage, water purification systems, biosensors, electro- and chemical catalysis. My research has… Show more Analyzing large data sets of high-energy X-ray scattering measurements through computer modeling to investigate a class of 2D capacitor thin films called MXenes in order to gain insight into the atomic-level structure of these materials. MXenes encompass an enormous family of recently discovered and predicted 2D transition metal carbides, carbonitrides, and nitrides, with applicability in energy storage, water purification systems, biosensors, electro- and chemical catalysis. My research has revealed the structure of these films as they are electrochemically cycled in aqueous environments. Initial studies focused on the MXene systems in equilibrium and follow-up studies have targeted capturing structural changes dynamically during voltage cycling. These studies will enable the first comprehensive, atomic-level characterization of the structures of MXenes during charge and discharge events. Show less

Madison, Wisconsin

Researching collisions at the air-liquid interface using mass spectroscopy and molecular beam scattering under Gilbert Nathanson. Our research has illuminated the impact of salts and organic surfactants on reactions of N2O5 at the surface of aerosol particles. At night, N¬2O5 serves as a reservoir for nitric oxides produced when fossil fuels are burned. Uptake and reaction of N2O5 in aerosol droplets has a profound effect on the concentrations of ozone, hydroxyl, and methane in our atmosphere,… Show more Researching collisions at the air-liquid interface using mass spectroscopy and molecular beam scattering under Gilbert Nathanson. Our research has illuminated the impact of salts and organic surfactants on reactions of N2O5 at the surface of aerosol particles. At night, N¬2O5 serves as a reservoir for nitric oxides produced when fossil fuels are burned. Uptake and reaction of N2O5 in aerosol droplets has a profound effect on the concentrations of ozone, hydroxyl, and methane in our atmosphere, but the interfacial reactivity of N2O5¬ is poorly understood because it depends upon the ions and organics present in aerosols. We interrogate the reactivity of N2O5 at the gas-liquid interface in vacuum by directing a beam of N2O5 molecules at the surface of a water microjet containing LiBr and either alkylammonium or alcohol surfactants. Br- ions in the interfacial region attack N2O5 to produce Br2 which we observe desorbing from solution using mass spectroscopy. Our results expose a dramatic capturing of Br2 by the solution when surfactant molecules are present. Previously, I utilized the microjet to investigate interactions of acids, bases, and organic molecules with different functional groups (such as HCl, carboxylic acids, amines, alcohols, esters, and ethers) with water surfaces. These studies illustrate the influential effect that cations in solution hold on the near-interfacial solubility of amines and demonstrate the powerful ability of surface water molecules to trap and solvate impinging acids and bases. Show less

Bloomington/Normal, Illinois Area

Worked for the chemistry department for the advanced inorganic synthesis class. This class is designed so students perform three lengthy synthesis over the course of a semester. My job is to provide guidance with the synthesis and assistance with operating instruments, such as NMR, UV-Vis, and performing cyclic voltammetry.

Bloomington/Normal, Illinois Area

Provided computer troubleshooting assistance to visitors and students. Helped install and maintain software and hardware on lab computers. I was promoted to the position of Student Manager in August 2012 and put in charge of hiring new employees.

Urbana-Champaign, Illinois Area

I participated in a research experience for undergraduates at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the direction of Dr. Andrew Gewirth. That work involved a project that dealt with studying the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in order to develop a system to control the kinetics of the ORR. Our work proved that a hybrid bilayer membrane consisting of a self assembled monolayer with an integrated ORR catalyst and a lipid monolayer could control oxygen reduction by changing the pH of… Show more I participated in a research experience for undergraduates at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the direction of Dr. Andrew Gewirth. That work involved a project that dealt with studying the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in order to develop a system to control the kinetics of the ORR. Our work proved that a hybrid bilayer membrane consisting of a self assembled monolayer with an integrated ORR catalyst and a lipid monolayer could control oxygen reduction by changing the pH of the bulk solution to activate the ORR catalyst. A manuscript describing this work has been submitted to Nature Materials. Show less

Notre Dame, Indiana

I received an internship at US Nano LLC, a small startup company associated with Notre Dame University. This group is working to develop a cost efficient synthesis for the production of cadmium selenide nanowires. My job was to research and develop alternatives to the syntheses to increase the cost efficiency. At US Nano LLC I worked as part of a small group to conduct and analyze various synthesis with transmission electron microscopes and Schlenk lines. During my internship, I was able to… Show more I received an internship at US Nano LLC, a small startup company associated with Notre Dame University. This group is working to develop a cost efficient synthesis for the production of cadmium selenide nanowires. My job was to research and develop alternatives to the syntheses to increase the cost efficiency. At US Nano LLC I worked as part of a small group to conduct and analyze various synthesis with transmission electron microscopes and Schlenk lines. During my internship, I was able to develop useful skills that I believe could best be applied to a laboratory setting. Show less

Research Doctorate, Physical And Atmospheric Chemistry

Bachelor Of Science (B.S.), Chemistry And Computer Science

Activities and Societies: American Chemical Society Treasurer Association of Computing Machinery