Ben Pelleg

I am currently a third year graduate student working under Dr. Adam Fontecchio in Drexel’s nanophotonics lab. Specifically, I am studying the optical properties of liquid crystal/polymer structures. Liquid crystal/polymer structures are unique in their dynamic optical properties, for example and electrically switchable hologram can be formed using liquid crystals and polymers. I heard about the NSF GRFP through my advisor, who encouraged me to apply. Although I did not receive the award, I found the application process an extremely useful process. Applying for the NSF GRFP allowed me to practice writing about my research for others not in my field. In addition the process forces you to think ahead, about the future of you research and potential applications to the science community and to society in general.