I am a 4th year PhD candidate in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry conducting research under Dr. Loy. My graduate research involves making use of photoreactive small molecules to create and break weak-links in polymers. I collaborate with the College of Optical Sciences to create new inorganic/organic hybrid oligomeric resin materials for use in direct write printing applications for glass creation. My thesis focus is that new organic photoreactive moieties can be incorporated into polymer networks to allow an unprecedented level of control over their solubility, barrier and mechanical properties.

My outreach work through the NASA Space Grant involves working closely with middle school science teachers at Booth-Fickett and Mansfeld. My outreach goal at Booth-Fickett is to increase interest in STEM subjects by incorporating forensic science with a focus in scientific method into their curriculum. I am also working with Mansfeld to help prepare their middle school students to compete in the Division B Science Olympiad. I am helping with all subjects of science by trying to bring in experts from each subject to help in their preparation. I work directly with the middle school teachers to ensure any lesson plans developed align with state standards and all supplemental materials created will made generally accessible online.