Research Opportunity Number: (CBE-07)

Project Title: Hydrogels for environmental remediation

Project Summary: Hydrogels have emerged as promising soft materials for sustainable and off-grid water purification and harvesting. However, the low water production rate well below daily human demand is a current impediment to technology translation. To make progress towards addressing this challenge, we will work on the development of a rapid-response solar absorber gel membrane capable of producing potable water from various contaminated sources at high rates.

Student Roles and Responsibilities: The high school student will work closely with a senior graduate student and postdoc in the lab. The high school student will never work alone. In a collaborative manner, the high school student will: 1) help with sample preparation for synthesis, 2) assist in polymer synthesis, 3) assist with thermal and mechanical analysis of the polymer, and 4) test the water purification of the polymer.

Additional Considerations: The student will work Monday - Thursday from 10AM - 4PM. .

Department/Institute: Chemical and Biological Engineering

Faculty Sponsor: Rodney Priestley

Participation Dates: 6/19/2024 to 8/14/2024

Stipend Offered: $300.00

Number of Internships Available: 0-1

Application Deadline: March 15, 2024, midnight eastern daylight time