(1) Nanoscale Characterization of Ferroelectric and Antiferroelectric Materials
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Asif Islam Khan, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Abstract: Our group is interested in the physics of ferroelectric and antiferroelectric materials and use different methods to characterize and study the various properties. The intern will work with a group of grad students to analyse the material properties of these materials. The student will use image processing techniques to analyse SEM and TEM images to study the physics of the materials. The objective of this work is to study the relation between the material and electrical properties of materials. The REU fellow will learn image processing, imaging techniques like SEM and TEM and the crystal structure of FE and AFE materials. Visit the Khan Lab: https://electrons.ece.gatech.edu/
(2) Plug-and-Play Electronic Devices
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Michael Filler, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Abstract: The REU student will collaborate with a team of graduate students and postdocs to develop processes for the entirely bottom-up fabrication of fully-functional, high performance field effect transistors. Devices fabricated in this fashion hold promise for the on-demand/3-D printing of low cost, personalized integrated circuits. The student will gain experience in chemical vapor deposition, surface chemical patterning, and state-of-the-art nanoscale characterization techniques. Visit the Filler Lab: http://www.fillerlab.com/
(3) Design of High-Performance Alternative Cementitious Binders Using Machine Learning Principles
Faculty Advisor: Prof. Kimberly Kurtis, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Abstract: Due to the high amount of carbon dioxide emissions and the corresponding energy consumed during the production of ordinary Portland cement (OPC), academia and industry are looking for alternative binder chemistries (ABC) to OPC. Calcium sulfoaluminate (CS̄A) and limestone calcined clay (LC3) cements are of interest among ABCs with certain drawbacks like workability and service life. Furthermore, in order to meet the performance and economy metrics with alternative binders, optimizing the mixture design can be quite challenging. Data-driven models, so called machine learning (ML), can be used to address this problem. Composite materials like cementitious binders can benefit from ML in terms of predicting an output like strength or workability where it is unlikely to have a governing physical model. This project will be addressing the design of ABCs with satisfying performance requirements and appealing market quality. Mainly, CS̄A and LC3 cements will be investigated experimentally at micro and macro scale. Ultimately, ML models will be created to optimize the physical and chemical properties of ABCs using the experimental data gathered from experiments. Visit: http://www.mse.gatech.edu/people/kimberly-kurtis
(4) Whole-animal Single-cell Transcriptomics
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Hang Lu, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Abstract: The REU student will work with a team of post-docs and research scientists to develop microfluidic devices for the transcriptomic analysis of single animal at single-cell resolution. Such technology promises to deliver insights on gene expression correlated with other phenotype such as behavior. The REU student will gain knowledge in microfabrication, microfluidic experiment set-ups, and microscopy. Visit the Lu lab: http://www.lulab.gatech.edu/
(5) Functional Neuro-Development
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Hang Lu, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Abstract: It is largely unknown how early life stress exposure triggers neural circuit dysfunction and leads to neuropsychological disorders. Using C. elegans model organism and droplet microfluidic technology, we will probe neuronal dynamics during development upon adverse stimulation. The REU student, mentored by a research scientist, will be in charge of fabricating devices, culturing animals, and performing neuronal functional imaging on C. elegans animals. Visit the Lu lab: http://www.lulab.gatech.edu/
(6) Design and Validation of Surface Functionalization Procedure for Increased Potentiometric Biosensing Accuracy
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Eric Vogel, School of Materials Science and Engineering
Abstract: Currently, diagnosis for serological diseases such as Ebola, HIV, and Lyme disease relies on Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISAs), which require centralized laboratories and several-day timescales to complete. However, emerging technologies such as potentiometric and electrochemical impedance biosensing can be developed into portable, faster devices that require only hour timescales. Despite the promise of these new technologies, device reliability inhibits commercialization and adoption. The REU students will gain experience with the potentiometric sensing platform and sensor fabrication, and will focus on using specialized IEN analysis equipment including zeta potential and surface plasmon resonance to detect protein attachment to sensor surfaces and optimize attachment procedures. Visit the Vogel Lab: https://vogellab.gatech.edu/
(7) Scalable Synthesis of Platinum Icosahedral Nanocrystals with High Quality and Enhanced Catalytic Activity towards Oxygen Reduction
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Younan Xia, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
Abstract: Platinum (Pt) nanocrystals have gained attention as excellent catalysts for accelerating the sluggish kinetics of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Among the Pt nanocrystals with diverse shapes, icosahedra are attractive catalysts for ORR because of the well-defined {111} facets on the surface and high density of twin boundaries, which could induce strain on the side faces and thus lead to enhanced activity. During this project, the student will explore the strategy of separating nucleation and growth of Pt icosahedra to improve the quality of the product, while applying a continuous flow reactor for scaling up the production. The catalytic performance of the Pt icosahedra with improved uniformity will also be evaluated. This study holds potential for scaling up the production of Pt icosahedra with a high quality suitable for various industrial applications. Visit the Xia Lab: https://www.nanocages.com/
(8) Processing and Characterization of Mixed-Conducting Hydrogels for Bioelectronics
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Natalie Stingelin, School of Materials Science & Engineering and School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
Abstract: New trends in π-conjugated polymeric-based materials take advantage of the interplay of electronic and ionic conductivity in these systems. Combining this “mixed conductivity” with mechanical softness and pliability, we aim to use conducting polymers to design a platform for bio-integrated, nano-engineered electronic devices that can facilitate ion-to-electron signal conversion, enabling devices for distributed biosensing, physiological monitoring, and brain-machine interfacing. The objective of this REU is to learn solution processing applied to several conductive polymers of interest for the applications in soft, mixed-conductive hydrogels. Methods used will include techniques for mechanical, electrical and ion transport characterization in soft materials, nano- and micropatterning to produce devices as well as various specialized methodologies available at the IEN/IMat Materials Characterization Facility (MCF), including electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction tools. The student will combine insights from materials science, chemistry, physics, electrical engineering and biology to address fundamental questions and technological challenges. Visit the Stingelin lab website: http://stingelin-lab.gatech.edu/
(9) Controlled Tuning of Hybrid Distributed Bragg Reflectors
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Natalie Stingelin, School of Materials Science & Engineering and School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
Abstract: The goal of this project is to provide nano-structured heat mirrors based on simple 1D-photonic structures that can be designed to have high transmittance in the visible but high reflection with a tunable stop band in the heat generating near-infrared/infrared region for heat management. A versatile cooling technology has several applications including new urban heat management structures, food packaging, and photovoltaic cooling. Additionally, these coatings will be exposed to different atmospheres to determine the degree of switchability that can be obtained through manipulation/responsiveness of the stopband (i.e. the wavelength regime of highest reflection) via exposure to specific external stimuli (humidity, specific liquids, high-refractive index media, etc.). The student will acquire skills in photonic device fabrication, as well as optical and thermal analysis techniques. Moreover, thin-film processing and characterization methodologies will be used, including tools available at the IEN/IMat Materials Characterization Facility (MCF) such as electron microscopy probes and XPS/UPS methodologies. Visit the Stingelin lab: http://stingelin-lab.gatech.edu/
(10) Ionic and Lattice Contributions to Thermal Conductivity of Liquid Phase Electrolytes: Towards an Ionic Analog of the Wiedemann-Franz Law
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Shannon Yee, School of Mechanical Engineering
Abstract: The difference in solvation entropy of redox species in electrolytes can be taken advantage of in different architectures to harvest waste heat (as in thermogalvanics or the thermal charging of electrochemical cells) or to improve the coulombic efficiency of rechargeable batteries. The difference in solvation entropy arises from the difference in interactions between the oxidized and reduced species with the solvent molecules. Species involved in a redox reaction have their hydration shell reorganized after their electron donation/abstraction process. Reorganizing hydration shells leads to a different degree of non-covalent interaction between solvent molecules in the bulk solution. Since the thermal conductivity of liquids is a function of non-covalent interactions, we hypothesize that adding kosmotropes, or structure making solutes, into a polar solvent like water can enhance the latter’s lattice thermal conductivity simply by making water more rigid, in a manner of speaking. However, in such a solution, the improvement in thermal conductivity could arise from the thermo-diffusion of solutes as well. We propose the fabrication of an experimental setup that is capable of discriminating between the ionic and lattice contributions of liquid phase solution. The lattice thermal conductivity measurements will be supplemented with FTIR, Raman, and viscosity measurements. Visit the Yee Lab: http://www.yeelab.gatech.edu/
(11) Piezoresistive Sensors for Measuring Blood Platelet Contraction Forces
Faculty Advisor: Oliver Brand, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Abstract: By examining contraction forces that blood platelet exert on a substrate, researchers hope to predict abnormal bleeding and clotting behavior. However, current technologies to measure such platelet forces in the nano-Newton range are using microscopy-based optical techniques, which require too much time to be useful in a clinical environment. Thus, an interdisciplinary team of electrical and biomedical engineers at Georgia Tech is currently developing non-optical transduction mechanisms to create a rapid, high-throughput platform capable of assaying large numbers of individual platelets. One approach is to have piezoresistive sensors integrated into a rigid substrate, which is covered by a mechanically soft film to which the platelets attach. The goal of the REU project is to explore whether 3D printed microstructures embedded into the soft polymeric film can be used to effectively transduce the forces generated on the surface to the underlying piezoresistive sensors. The REU student will use a unique 3D printer with submicrometer resolution (Nanoscribe, Germany) inside the IEN cleanroom to print appropriate microstructures, embed them into a soft, polymeric film, and characterize the mechanical behavior of the resulting hybrid films in the lab. The project will introduce the student to micro- and nanofabrication techniques used to build a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) with application in the biomedical field. Visit the Brand Lab: https://isensys.gatech.edu/
(12) Micro/Nanosystems for Cellular Mechanical Studies in Hematology
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Wilbur Lam, Biomedical Engineering and Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Georgia Tech and Emory University School of Medicine
Abstract: The REU student will collaborate with a team of graduate students and postdocs to develop micro/nanosystems-based devices (i.e. microfluidics via photolithography, 2 Photon Polymerization (2PP) 3D printing, etc.) to study how complex mechanical and hemodynamic environments lead to alterations in blood cell physiology in health and disease. These studies will help elucidate the currently poorly understood biophysical mechanisms of diseases such as sickle cell disease, thrombotic microangiopathies, and bleeding/clotting disorders and will also form the bases of new classes of diagnostic tests. The student will gain experience in photolithography, 2PP 3D printing, soft lithography, microfluidics, cell biology, and clinical hematology and medicine. Visit the Lam Lab: http://lamlab.gatech.edu/