UMBC chemical engineering students win ChemE Jeopardy national championship

Road to the finals

Making a name for themselves

Kaylyn Stewart,‘24, chemistry

Blaney Lab, UMBC

When did you start your research on campus? Fall 2021

What is the focus of your research? I work on improving the efficiency of recovering nutrients and contaminants from wastewater systems via Donnan Dialysis in Dr. Lee Blaney’s lab. 

What advice do you have for students who are interested in getting involved in research on campus? It is definitely intimidating, joining a research lab where you basically know nothing. But you’re not expected to know everything! You learn as you go, from other members of the lab, the PI, and from doing a little bit of reading on your own. It also helps if the lab is doing research you are actually interested in; doesn’t have to be a lifetime passion, but an interest. Don’t be afraid to reach out to the PI expressing your interest!

Summer 2022: University of California-Irvine Department of Chemistry

What is the focus of your research/internship?

Studying the microenvironment of electrode surfaces under ionomer coatings

What advice do you have for students who are interested in getting involved in research or an internship?

It's a good idea to start looking earlier rather than later for internships/REU programs. A lot of the applications are due around winter break. Also, even if you're not sure if research is for you, apply!!! That's the best way to find out. It's truly an amazing and rewarding experience, especially if you apply to a research program at another university. They typically pay for your housing, food, flight, and you get paid a stipend! Plus, you get to experience a new part of the country and meet some new people along the way.

Are you a member of any clubs/campus organizations?

American Chemical Society Student Chapter (President)

What are your goals after graduation?

I plan on attending graduate school to pursue my Ph.D.

Learn more about Kaylyn Stewart: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylyn-stewart-a163121b3/

Twitter: @krstewart02 

Did you participate in a summer research opportunity or a summer internship? Tell us more about it

Dean Bowman has office hours this coming Friday, October 7, 2022. You can access his appointment times by using the link below and selecting a time that works for you. All meetings are scheduled virtually. However, if you prefer an in person meeting, indicate that in the description box.

https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/selfsched?sstoken=UUoxX2c1UVZNSkozfGRlZmF1bHR8Njc5MzZmNmQyY2U0YTA4YzQyZTFlYTAxZTljMjExODE

Excerpt from UMBC NEWS: 

UMBC's new AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellows focus on STEM workforce inclusion, youth justice

Published: Sep 8, 2022 | Dinah Winnick

Erin Lavik, professor of chemical, biochemical, and environmental engineering at UMBC, is an innovator in developing  nanoparticles to stop internal bleeding. She's also hard at work on a very different challenge: building STEM workforce development programs that are more inclusive and equitable.

Lavik and Erika Fountain, assistant professor of psychology, will serve as 2022-23 Science and Technology Policy Fellows (STPF) with the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), in the prestigious program's 50th class. 

"AAAS policy fellows have been demonstrating excellence in science policy for the past half-century -- defining what it means to be a scientist and engineer in the policymaking realm," said Rashada Alexander, STPF program director. 

The 300 fellows chosen for the 2022-23 class will serve in a range of government offices, working to inform actionable, science-based policies. Lavik will be based in the Advanced Manufacturing Office of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, known as Manufacturing USA. Fountain will be hosted by the American Psychological Association (APA), serving as a Congressional Fellow.

The 2022-23 fellowship class is sponsored by AAAS, the Moore Foundation, and partner societies, with an eye on both the value of this experience for participating fellows and the impact fellows will have throughout their careers.

Inclusive high-tech workforce

"With the CHIPS Act passing, I'll be focusing on building workforce development programs that are equitable, inclusive, diverse, and accessible," says Lavik.

"CHIPS" stands for Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors -- legislation that will provide nearly $53 billion to support semiconductor production in the U.S., supporting both research and high-tech jobs. The goal of CHIPS, the White House notes, is "to sustain U.S. leadership in the sciences and engineering as the engine for American innovation." 

Lavik, who is also associate dean for research and faculty development in UMBC's College of Engineering and Information Technology (COEIT), will play an important role at NIST in shaping the programs that will generate these high-tech jobs, maximizing their benefit. At the same time, she will learn about federal policymaking and implementation first-hand.

"Dr. Lavik has worked as both a researcher and as an associate dean elevating research and advancing faculty development. This combination has given her a broad insight into product development," says COEIT Dean Keith J Bowman. "I am certain that expertise will serve her well in supporting advancement of our nation's manufacturing enterprises. I know from direct experience that Manufacturing USA has changed how we think about and carry out manufacturing, and Dr. Lavik's strategic and innovative mindset is a great match for this opportunity."

[Read full article]

Photo credit:  Erin Lavik (left) works with then-graduate student Adam Day (right) in her lab, 2018. (Marlayna Demond '11/UMBC)