We are welcoming students who were accepted for summer 2020 but were unable to participate because of the pandemic. Due to this, we have a limited number of positions for this summer and are only advertising the open projects.
1) 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.
2) 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 website.
3) 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 website.