SOAR Member Profiles

Jared Frazier

• SOAR Position: Member; Secretary (2020-21); Vice President (2021-22); Peer Mentor Scholar Ambassador (2021-22); Alumni
• Major: Chemistry and Computer Science
• Faculty Mentor(s): Dr. Mengliang Zhang, Dr. Gregory Van Patten, Dr. David Butler

Current Focus: Characterization and Quantitation of Organic Ligands Bonded to CdSe Quantum Dots Using Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry

Additional Interests: Data Analysis, Linux, Solid-State Physics, Poetry, and Dungeons and Dragons

Project Description

Semiconductor quantum dots have numerous applications in optoelectronics, nanoelectronics, photovoltaics, and bioimaging. As a result of nanoscale size tunability and concurrent quantum confinement, quantum dots provide new opportunities for nanotechnology. However, much of the surface chemistry of these unique nanoparticles is difficult to analyze by existing analytical methods. I am currently developing a novel method to quantify and characterize surface adsorbed ligands of oleate-capped CdSe colloidal quantum dots using direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry.

Why does this topic interest you?

The study of nanomaterials is highly interdisciplinary as it sits at the intersection of physics, chemistry, electrical engineering, materials science, and more. I love learning from a diverse array of fields and quantum dots supplies exactly that.

What are your professional aspirations?

I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in Chemistry concentrating on materials and nanoscience. After, I will conduct research and explore the applications of novel nanomaterials as well as teach at the university level.

Do you have any advice for future researchers?

Don’t be afraid to fail. Real scientific data is often so frustratingly difficult to interpret and explain that it can stop your project’s progression dead in its tracks. Take a breath and remember that as an undergraduate or even a Ph.D. holder you will never be able to know everything, but always keep trying to do just that by constantly reading, doing, and learning. In the end all data is good data!

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