Jessica Ma |  Research

What type of research have you been working on?

The summer after my freshman year, I earned the opportunity to conduct research on campus with Professor Claridge. For two years, my projects involved investigating nanoscale ordering of photopolymerizable amphiphiles at air-water interfaces using Langmuir-Blodgett assembly techniques. It sounds like a mouthful and definitely not something one would learn right away as an underclassman, but that's why I really enjoyed research. I learned so many new concepts and ideas I could not gain from a classroom and had to be creative to solve problems. But I also got to apply the skills I did learn from school and aid my research. My mentor, Jae Jin Bang, taught me not only the ropes for my project, but also taught me valuable skills I will apply to my professional career. I conducted experiments to determine effects of various parameters (surface pressure, temperature, barrier position, solution type, subphase) on the Langmuir-Blodgett trough. I also learned how to develop methods to improve consistency between dipping samples using Langmuir Schaeffer techniques. 

Why did you choose to work in this lab?

I had no idea if I wanted to pursue research or apply to graduate school, so I decided I needed to gain that experience to help determine this decision for my future. Professor Claridge taught my Chemistry 115 class and I really enjoyed her teaching style. I attended a few of her office hours and appreciated how patient and thorough she was when trying to help me understand a difficult concept. Because of our interactions, I did some research on what her team did and was interested. After sitting in on a few group meetings, I joined her team. 

What have been your favorite parts about working in this lab?

Honestly, the connections I have made with this research group were amazing. I grew very close to the graduate students and loved the team parties, where we would got to Professor Claridge's house and celebrate holidays like Christmas or Halloween. It just showed that we weren't simply a research group - we were all friends. Sometimes waiting for the monolayer to stabilize, I would have the best life talks with a graduate student, Terry. I also really enjoyed the fact that I constantly got the chance to apply what I learned and do so much more outside of a typical classroom. I am a big believer in "learning by doing" so conducting research was very helpful. In the lab, I would try to find a solution to a problem that did not have an answer right away, so it challenged me to think outside the box and teach myself new ideas. 

How has this influenced your future academic or career plans?

This experience definitely made a positive impact on me. I gained research experience with an amazing group, so I have a solid lab experience and network for the future. Doing research forces you to be really independent since you have to read articles and find answers without knowing what the experiment will tell you. Regarding the future, I have learned valuable life skills that allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. Because of the last two years, I am strongly considering graduate school to get my Master's.

What advice would you give to students who are interested in doing research with a professor?

I strongly believe that gaining a research position will help you no matter what. I learned so much in the lab and outside of it with the team. I know it seems intimidating to talk to a professor, especially as a freshman, but the worst they can say is no. The benefits are endless if you get a yes. Research is challenging but exciting. I loved applying classroom skills and working on a project that could make a difference in the real world. I highly recommend anyone to at least try research because it could teach you more things than you'd think.