Reflection on My Research
Throughout my undergraduate study, I have participated in research projects across a broad range of chemistry subdisciplines. As a 2018 Goizueta Foundation STEM Scholar, I explored the anomalous redox behavior of bis(serinato)copper(II) complex under the guidance of Dr. T. Leon Venable at Agnes Scott College. As part of our extended studies on the synthesis and behavior of these complexes, I modified the synthetic procedures and created new separation methods. To monitor their spontaneous oxidation reactions, I utilized UV-vis and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies. I found value in sleuthing through the literature, taking time to troubleshoot, and reflecting on the reasons for failure. During my junior year, my project culminated in a 50-page thesis that can guide future studies to identify the key feature of the molecule responsible for its active redox behavior. Presenting my research at the Spring Annual Research Conference at Agnes Scott College and the 2019 Southeastern Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society, I learned to effectively communicate scientific findings to peers and the public. In the future, I will continuously invest in scientific inquiries with my research and communication skills to provide new approaches to control atomic and molecular behavior.
In summer 2019, I researched in the synthesis of noble-metal nanocrystals for energy applications through the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program at Georgia Tech. With Dr. Younan Xia as my advisor, I successfully synthesized high-quality platinum (Pt) nanobars with tunable aspect ratios in collaboration with a graduate student. Using FTIR spectroscopy, I confirmed that carbon monoxide was produced from the decomposition of the solvent at high temperature. This molecule then effectively functioned as a capping agent for Pt {100} facets and facilitated the formation of Pt nanobars. My analyses of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images enabled me to propose a mechanism to account for the symmetry breaking involved in the formation of Pt nanobars. By the end of the 10-week program, I gathered data for both oral and poster presentations detailing my findings at the research symposia at Georgia Tech and Agnes Scott College, and the 2019 Gulf Coast Undergraduate Research Symposium at Rice University. I am currently in the process of writing the manuscript for publication. Continuing to work in the Xia group during my senior year, I will evaluate the catalytic properties of Pt nanobars for the methanol oxidation reaction. Throughout my research experience in noble-metal nanocrystals, I developed an interest in materials chemistry, with a concentration in nanomaterials synthesis, through which I can address a multitude of environmental challenges.