Nanotechnology: Exploring the Smallest Stuff This Summer

My name is Prastuti — I'm a materials science and engineering rising sophomore student who spent my summer working with world-famous researcher Dr. Yury Gogotsi and postdoc researcher Dr. Stefano Ippolito in the Drexel Materials Lab. I got the opportunity through the STAR program to do research on MXenes, a family of 2-D substances made of carbides and nitrides. This material was discovered by Dr. Gogotsi and other Drexel researchers in 2011 and is currently being tested for a wide variety of innovative applications.

I was introduced to the term 'nanotechnology' and ever since that day, I have been intrigued by the nanoscale world that our naked eyes miss out on.

This summer for co-op, I was able to work on creating and characterizing MXene Hydrogel and Aerogel. This program gave me the opportunity to dive into topics I've been interested in for years. As a kid, I was fascinated by everyday phenomena, like the stretching of a rubber band, the brittleness of a mug that could break into pieces, or the comfort of the seat I sat on. Gradually, I got in touch with concepts of materials in physics and chemistry through my high school classes. I was introduced to the term 'nanotechnology' and ever since that day, I have been intrigued by the nanoscale world that our naked eyes miss out on.

With STAR (Students Tackling Advanced Research), I was able to spend this summer between my first and second year doing nanoartography (like my MXene Mario pictured!) researching for poster presentations, attending conferences and seminars, and conducting research at the forefront of nanotechnology. It's inspired me to keep doing research at the end of the summer.

I couldn't look for a better place to fill my curiosity about nanomaterials and gain hands-on learning experience than the STAR program at Drexel Nanomaterials Institute. It emerged as the optimal choice which aligned seamlessly with both my personal and professional goals as well.