1. Who are you doing research with this summer and what kind of research project are you doing ?

I am working with both Dr.Sidorenko and Dr.Moore on a joint project that entails both experimental and computational aspects. My work studies polymers that are tethered to a surface and form a polymer brush, a thin layer of tethered polymers. Polymer brushes can be used to manipulate the properties of the surface, adhesiveness, conductivity and polarity.

2. What do you find fascinating in the research that you’re doing ?

With regards to the experimental side of my project, I am fascinated by the fact that I can create a polymer brush and inspect its macroscopic properties experimentally and its microscopic properties computationally.

 

3. What skills are you learning through the USURF experience ?

I am currently learning various methods of surface characterization including : Atomic Force Microscopy, Null Ellipsometry, and Cyclic Voltammtery. On the computational side I am learning various molecular dynamics methodologies such as:  All Atom, United Atom and Coarse Grain.

4. What are the challenges you’re encountering in your research ?

Analysis and characterization of nanoscopic materials is limited, thus I am not always certain of what happens at the interfacial level of my system.  Computational studies of my system will aid in such analysis. On the other hand, computational work also brings a lot of challenges including, debugging systems to understand possible errors, creating systems with the correct parameters and analyzing all the data.

5. How is your USURF experience impacting the way you view your field ?

USURF has given me a greater appreciation and understanding of the chemistry field. I have also been able to apply my knowledge to solving various problems that arose during the course of research work.

6. Tell us something interesting about yourself.

I was originally born in St.Petersburg, Russia and moved to the United States when I was seven years old.