The Undergraduate Research Poster Session for Chemistry took place on April 26th in the atrium of the Integrated Sciences Building (ISB). Twenty-three students showcased their posters to faculty, staff, and fellow students.
The Dr. Uche Anyanwu Memorial Fund was established to acknowledge the top three research posters presented at the Department of Chemistry Undergraduate Research Poster Session. This fund was initiated by Dr. Ucheoma O. Akobundu in memory of her late husband, Dr. Anyanwu, who was the inaugural member of the D. Venkataraman (DV) group, earning his PhD in 2005. This year's awardees were three seniors: Anastasia Antropova, Aron Korsunsky, and Taras Nagornyy.
Tailoring the Morphology of Electrodeposited Cu20 Nanoparticles through Facet-Selective Adsorption
Anastasia Antropova '24 (DuChene group): My research investigates mechanisms of shape control during the electrodeposition of cuprous oxide nanoparticles. One such mechanism is facet-selective adsorption, in which ions bind preferentially to one kind of facet, blocking growth along that facet and causing it to be maintained in the final structure. Enhanced control over the morphology of electrodeposited nanoparticles will promote uniform shape, size, and population density that will allow these nanoparticles to be used as more selective catalysts for the reduction of carbon dioxide into usable feedstock chemicals in the future.
Probing TRPC5 Ligand Behavior Using Molecular Dynamics
Aron Korsunsky '24 (J. Chen group): My research project used physics-based simulations, or Molecular Dynamics, to study the mode-of-action of the TRPC5 ion channel, involved in pain sensation in inflamed tissue. Two ligands bind in the Voltage-Sensing Domain of TRPC5 with opposite effects, and our simulations aim to elucidate the molecular-level interactions that stabilize each ligand and how these interactions either enhance or inhibit channel activity.
Radical Polymerization of Methacrylate-based Covalent Adaptable Network and Chain Transfer
Taras Nagornyy '24 (Fan group, ChE): My research focused on the synthesis of covalent adaptable networks (CANs) - a new type of polymer that combines the excellent mechanical properties of thermosets with the recyclability of thermoplastics. My main goal was to create a material that could be commercially viable. I used commercially available methacrylates - BisGMA and HEMA - as monomers, along with Irgacure as a UV initiator. The polymerization reaction was UV-initiated. Thus, the CAN I synthesized has the potential to be used as a resin for UV Resin 3D printers, where the printed and solidified material can be melted back and reused for 3D printing.