Wednesday August 8, 2007

Jiangshui has made the big time! His research, which we are busy confirming, was published in the August 3rd edition of SCIENCE. We are excited for him, and feel that we have helped him in his work by expanding his research by floating films on water with surfactant mixed in. He still has many aspects of this research to explore.

This morning has been set aside for presentations by the R.E.U.s at the conclusion of their program. These 11 students from all over the country, also funded by the National Science Foundation, have conducted significant research with the faculty of the Conte Polymer Research Center.


Ashlan, above left, investigated synthesis of antimicrobial polymers using the organism's innate biomembrane destruction mechanism (alpha defensin in humans) linked to norbernene, a synthetic polymer, to create an amphiphilic molecule with a half life four to five times that of the alpha defensin alone. Dan, above left, investigated the use of DNA and its splicing to create self-assembling nanostructures (proteins).

Samantha, above left, from Mt. Holyoke College, investigated the synthesis of therapeutic protein-polymer conjugates. Anna, above right, from Virginia Tech, is working in the Russell group making organic solar cells using P3HT and TiO2.



Laurel from Bucknell, above left, discussed her work with polyelectrolytes (charged polymers), while Mike used the Venus Fly Trap and Lotus leaf for inspiration for his work with responsive polymer surfaces.



Steve from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale has worked on nanoimprint lithography and its role in microfabrication, making organic field transistors using soft imprint lithography.

This synopsis represents only half of the presentations; connect to the photo album to see the other R.E.U. presenters and a description of their work.

After lunch, we decided to analyze data that had piled up on us. We spent five hours (each of us!) crunching and counting, then consolidated all of the data onto a single data table and constructed individual graphs for no surfactant, 0.03% surfactant, 0.08% surfactant, and 0.12% surfactant. We still need to gather more data for 0.12% surfactant, and 1% surfactant. We call it a day at around 5:30 pm.