MSE junior, Marlena Alexander, spent the summer participating in the Summer Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) program run by the United States Department of Energy. She performed research with Dr. Andrew Ferguson, Dr. Lance Wheeler, and Dr. Jeffrey Blackburn at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, Colorado on a project titled, “Controlling the Optoelectronic Properties of V2O5 Nanoparticles via SnCl2 reduction”. Previous work at NREL observed a color and conductivity change in SnCl2-treated V2O5. Marlena’s work focused on investigating the mechanism of control of the changes in optoelectronic properties. By understanding these changes, researchers can establish tuning and control of color and conductivity and develop new high-performing electronic materials. Of her experience, Marlena says, “One of my favorite parts of the summer was being able to attend a talk given by Dr. Martin Keller, director of NREL. It was inspiring to see that the dedication to making a positive impact in society extends to the top of NREL and at every level below it.”
Congratulations, Marlena!