Zachary Widel of Romeoville will have research exhibited to U.S. Congress

2015 Apr 8

Lewis University will be represented for the second consecutive year in the 19th Annual Posters on the Hill event, to be April 23-24 on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. A Lewis University student again will be among the 60 students in the country selected by the Council on Undergraduate Research to present research posters for members of Congress. The work of Romeoville resident Zachary Widel will be presented at Posters on the Hill.

Lewis University student Brandon Schabell will present the work of the research team of Schabell, Zachary Widel, Samantha Brain and Michelle Zaleski. "Had it not been for each of them, this research would not have been possible," Schabell said.

The poster, titled "Synthesis of Photo-responsive Polymeric Nanocomposite Films for Reduction of Hazardous Flight Deck Laser Illumination Events," focuses on the development of films to protect pilots from laser attacks. The research team developed protective windshield films that dissipate the laser beams when they are directed at the cockpit.

"The work we have been doing is a collaboration between the Physics and Chemistry departments. As a Physics major, my research would have been impossible had it not been for the collaborative effort put forth by both departments," commented Schabell.

"This has been a great example of how our students and faculty from various disciplines can collaborate on finding a solution to a serious problem. We're excited that Brandon will be able to share our great work with our nation's leaders on Capitol Hill," said Dr. Jason Keleher, associate professor and chair of the Chemistry department. He served as the faculty mentor on this project, with Dr. Joseph Kozminski, associate professor and chair of Physics, and Dr. Charles Crowder, associate professor of Physics, serving as co-mentors. Dr. Randy DeMik, associate professor of Aviation and Transportation, and Dr. Ryan Phillips, assistant professor of Aviation and Transportation, helped the group by discussing the potential issue in the aviation fields and providing an opportunity for chemists and physicists to apply their knowledge.

At last year's Posters on the Hill event, Samantha Rinehart presented the work of her research team of Jeromy Rech, Chemical Physics major and Dr. Jason Keleher, chair and assistant professor of Chemistry. That poster was titled "Photo-active Biomimetic Nanocomposite Films for Next Generation Water Purification Applications."

"Lewis University faculty and students regularly partner to make major advances in research that strengthens and serves society," stated Brother James Gaffney, FSC, President. "The research aligns with Lasallian values of the University which is sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, as well as national priorities in the area of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)."

Lewis University students and faculty have been recognized for their excellence as they share their findings through national and international presentations, an Annual Celebration of Scholarship event on the Lewis campus, a summer undergraduate research experience and research collaborations with regional and international businesses. The Colonel Stephen S. and Lyla Doherty Center for Aviation and Health Research at Lewis also supports students and faculty year-round in solving real-world problems.

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.