REU - Project Information

Summer 2025 Project Descriptions

Advanced Electron Microscopy for High-Pressure Mineral Characterization

Project Overview:

This project involves the study of high-pressure mineral phases such as wadsleyite and ringwoodite, which are found in shocked meteorites like the Catherwood L6 chondrite. These minerals provide valuable insights into the conditions of planetary interiors and the processes that occur under extreme pressure and temperature, such as those in Earth’s mantle. The research focuses on utilizing Transmission Kikuchi Diffraction (TKD) with a Hitachi SU8700 Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to collect diffraction data from thin samples. The goal is to compare TKD results with those obtained from four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM) to evaluate the effectiveness of TKD in providing information on strain, chemistry, and crystallographic preferred orientation.

Objectives:

  • Utilize TKD to collect large-area diffraction data from high-pressure minerals.
  • Compare TKD data with 4D-STEM results to assess the types of information each technique provides.
  • Analyze the capabilities of TKD as a more accessible alternative to TEM-based techniques for mineral characterization.
  • Contribute to the understanding of phase transformations and deformation mechanisms in geophysical processes.

Skills and Techniques:

  • Operation of advanced SEM equipment, specifically for TKD data collection.
  • Data analysis using specialized software for interpreting TKD and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) datasets.
  • Sample preparation for SEM-based techniques to ensure high-quality data acquisition.
  • Understanding of crystallography and materials science principles related to mineral physics.

Synthesis and Stability of Nanostructured Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics for Extreme Environments

Project Overview:

The research aims to develop and characterize nanostructured ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs) and UHTC/SiO₂ composites suitable for applications in extreme environments, such as hypersonic flight (speeds exceeding Mach 5). UHTCs possess exceptionally high melting points but face challenges like poor thermal shock resistance and oxidation vulnerability. Nanostructuring these materials could enhance cooling methods, reduce thermal stress, and improve oxidation resistance. The project focuses on fabricating nanoporous UHTCs through low-temperature ceramic conversion of metallic precursors using reactive gases (e.g., CH₄, NH₃) and creating nanostructured composites via sol-gel processes. The thermal stability and morphological evolution of these materials will be studied at high temperatures (up to 1700°C).

Objectives:

  • Synthesize nanoporous UHTCs and nanostructured UHTC/SiO₂ composites.
  • Quantify the kinetic parameters of thermal coarsening to predict feature size changes during high-temperature exposure.
  • Characterize the materials using techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
  • Understand the implications of morphological stability on the performance of UHTCs in extreme environments.

Skills and Techniques:

  • Materials synthesis involving ceramic conversion and sol-gel processing.
  • High-temperature thermal treatment and furnace operation.
  • Microstructural characterization using XRD and SEM.
  • Data analysis related to materials stability and coarsening kinetics.

Nanomechanical Diagnostics System for Pathogen Detection

Project Overview:

This project focuses on developing a nanomechanical diagnostics system for the detection of HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) using microcantilever technology. The aim is to create a rapid, quantitative, and cost-effective point-of-care (POC) test that can detect these pathogens, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where co-infections are prevalent among people living with HIV (PLWH). The system seeks to address the need for early diagnosis and improved linkage to care by enabling simultaneous detection and monitoring of multiple viruses.

Objectives:

  • Develop protocols for immobilizing antibodies specific to HIV, HBV, and HCV antigens on microcantilevers.
  • Utilize optical detection methods to measure microcantilever bending resulting from antigen-antibody interactions.
  • Assess the sensitivity and specificity of the nanomechanical system for quantitative detection.
  • Explore the potential of the system as a POC diagnostic tool to improve disease management in resource-limited settings.

Skills and Techniques:

  • Operation of atomic force microscopy (AFM) for nanoscale imaging and analysis.
  • Microcantilever fabrication and functionalization with biomolecules.
  • Surface characterization using fluorescent and confocal microscopy.
  • Understanding of immunoassay principles and nanomechanical sensing mechanisms.