Layered Solids and Liquid Crystals: TetraChlorometallates of 1, 4 Diazabicyclo (2.2.2) Octane

Ada Gjyrezi

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Receiving the Eugene M. Lang Faculty-Student Research Grant provided me with a valuable opportunity to do independent research with my mentor, Dr. Raifah Kabbani. Our project involved the synthesis and characterization of composite organic-inorganic materials. This type of compounds has important applications because of their thermal and magnetic properties. They have the ability to work as switches or sensors in biological systems as well as other applications. We have synthesized three such hybrid materials from organic amines with copper and palladium salts. We are in the process of studying their structures and, as a result, I am learning the use of new equipment and techniques. I have used infrared and UV-visible to analyze the structures of these compounds and their interaction with light.

In additionto experimental work, I had to learn to research literature and had the chance to read papers related to the project I am involved with. Unlike classroom laboratory projects, which are designed by the professor to work, in real-world research things do not always work the way one plans them to. This sometimes leads to more interesting results. The answers are not always found in books, but that is valuable too. What does not work gives you just as much information as what does. I enjoyed the experience and am grateful to the Eugene M. Lang Foundation for giving me this opportunity.

Information about the Student Author

Class of 2004, Major: Biochemistry

Summary of Research Experience

I do believe that independent student research complements traditional major courses and is an important part of the undergraduate experience.Students not only learn the latest methodologies in scientific research in their field, but they also learn how to communicate their finds with the scientific community and how to reason and explain the results from the project.In my personal experience, being able to work under the guidance of my mentor and having the opportunity to present my work at research conferences has given me one of my most memorable experiences. It has helped me grow as a student and as a future scientist. Conducting research in a real lab environment gave me the opportunity to learn and to analyze problems. Working on the different experiments to oftain good results and analyzing these results enhanced my probglem-solving skills and was a challenge that I particularly enjoyed.

The undergraduate years are critical in the educational route, as career-choice points and as the first real opportunities for in-depth study. I strongly believe that this experience has shaped my career goals. Although my interest has always been in the medical field, I now know that familiarity with experimental science is very valuable in a medical shool setting.

Dissemination of Results

I presented our work at the "Partnerships for Collaborative Learning" Faculty Development Conference at Pace on October 17, 2003 and at the Dyson Society of Fellows in February of 2004, and our work has been submitted for publication in Transactions, the Society's Annual Journal.

I also presented our work TETRACHLOROMETALATES OF 1,4-DIAZABICYCLO (2.2.2) OCTANE Layered Solids: Intercalated Compounds" at the 2nd Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium held at Queensboro Community College on May 1st, 2004.

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Raifah Kabbani, Professor of Chemistry

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