ChemE Students Participate in RISE Competition
On April 7, over 900 student and faculty presenters displayed their innovative research projects in the Cabot Cage to a mixture of judges, industry experts, and attendees. Chemical Engineering was well represented at the expo with over 20 students standing by their posters. For many students, it was their first time participating in the RISE competition, which uses research to fuel innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.
For PhD student Arthur Gonzales III, the strategy was to be excited about the research and to sell it. “The challenge is to find an entrepreneurial aspect in what I usually do in the lab (which is very theoretical). I would like to expand on what our lab does as a whole for research.”
Autumn Paro, PhD is supported by an NSF IGERT fellowship and previously studied physics for her bachelor’s and master’s. Using a combination of physics and chemical engineering, Paro was able to collaborate with Dana Farber on nanoparticle enhanced radiation therapy. In addition to a twofold knowledge of chemical engineering and physics, working in two different labs gave Paro a well-rounded view which helped her research. “What we do in the lab has clinical applications. It can be taken to a company to help people better their lives”, Paro remarks.
For first year undergraduate student Katherine Conner, it was her first conference and her first semester working in the Choi Lab. “I really liked learning about the information.” Conner is thankful for what she learned in the classroom, as it is being used during her hands-on work in the lab. “Having a chemistry background helps in this lab.”, she explains.
PhD student Yiwen Fan works in the Supramolecular Nanomaterials Lab and researches nanostructured supramolecular materials with predefined dimensions and physical properties. She hopes to apply her knowledge and research of nanotubes to cells in the future. “I’m so glad to be here, to explain my work to everyone. I’m very excited to explain the potential applications.” says Fan.
RISE has grown to be the largest university research expo of its kind, highlighting university research and startups, while forging connections with industry and investors. The Department of Chemical Engineering is proud of all the students who participated, and looks forward to seeing where their research goes in the future!