Jeromy Rech of Saint John showcased research at international symposium

2015 Jun 12

Lewis University chemistry students presented research May 26 at the 227th Meeting of The Electrochemical Society, a gathering of thousands of scientific leaders from around the world. Saint John resident Jeromy Rech was one of the Lewis University students that presented.

The ECS Meeting in Chicago was a forum for sharing the latest scientific and technical developments in electrochemistry and solid state science and technology. It included technical presentations, full-day short courses, professional development workshops, career opportunities, poster sessions and a dynamic technical exhibit. Over 2,000 international scientists and engineers from industry, government, and academic institutions attended.

Three student research teams, all mentored by Dr. Jason Keleher, associate professor and chair of Chemistry, presented work in the Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry, Electrocatalysis, and Photoelectrochemistry General Poster Session:

• Students Zachary Widel, Samantha Brain and Julianne Truffa presented "Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Quantum Dots for Flexible Solar Cell Applications."
• Students Lisa Janes and Amy Mlynarski presented "Electrochemical Analysis of Film Forming Mechanisms Relevant to Data Storage Chemical Mechanical Planarization"
• Students Jeremy Rech, Kathleen Hallenbeck, Tala Zubi and Jessica Chavez presented "Photocatalytic Nanocomposite Polymers for Enhanced Water Purification Applications"

Keleher commented, "It was great to see our students present their work on such a stage but even more valuable is the experience to interact with leading researchers in fields ranging from energy storage technology, next generation battery and fuel cell technology, sensors for medical diagnostics, and advanced semiconductor technology."

In addition, Keleher presented a lecture entitled "Probing the Film Formation Mechanisms at the Slurry/Substrate Interface Relevant to the Chemical Mechanical Planarization Process" in a session focusing on Electrochemistry at Primarily Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs). The session brought together a variety of faculty from PUIs to discuss novel and innovative ways to integrate cutting edge research into the undergraduate curriculum as well as highlight the impact made on the field of electrochemistry and solid state technology by undergraduate research teams.

Lewis University offers a bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics and Chemical Physics. Master's degree programs include Chemistry, Physics and Chemical Physics. The challenging curriculum is led by industry-leading chemists. Students engage in innovative research in the state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge lab equipment.

Lewis University is a Catholic university in the Lasallian tradition offering distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 6,700 traditional and adult students. Lewis offers multiple campus locations, online degree programs, and a variety of formats that provide accessibility and convenience to a growing student population. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis prepares intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, globally connected, and socially responsible graduates. The seventh largest private not-for-profit university in Illinois, Lewis has been nationally recognized by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report. Visit www.lewisu.edu for further information.