Researcher of the Week: Allison Kelly
Undergraduate researchers explore their interests!
How did you find out about the NIST/SURF research opportunity?
I attended a seminar on Undergraduate Research opportunities presented by Janet McGlynn, where NIST was highlighted.
Was the application difficult? Did you have help with the application? How many places did you apply to for summer, 2011?
I did not find it difficult to apply. Most of the summer applications require basically the same material. The most difficult part was writing the personal statement (see below), which can be difficult for any application. I attended a personal statement work shop and I asked for a lot of advice from fellow students more experienced with applying for research positions. I applied to somewhere between five and nine programs.
What project were you assigned at NIST?
I was working with Dr. Lee Richter with organic solar cells. I used ellipsometry to study and characterize the interactions of the components of these devices.
What did you know about this field before you started?
Very little. I knew absolutely nothing of the experimental technique I employed and only had the smattering of background from my undergraduate classes to help me grasp the underlying concepts of the work. But I found so many willing tutors.
What did you learn from the project? Does any of this apply to your work in your major at UMBC?
I learned more than I can realize. I gained a lot of lab experience, as my mentor allowed me to be very involved in the hands-on work of the study. Additionally, I learned about more about the field of physical chemistry, which has guided my graduate school plans. And, perhaps most importantly I learned about how to think about science, and research science in particular.
Who did you work most closely with over the summer?
I worked most closely with my mentor, who personally oversaw my project. I also leaned greatly on the skills and tutelage of several postdocs in our research group.
Did you live with the other NIST/SURF students? What was that like?
I lived in the provided housing. The facilities were very nice, and the chance to participate in group activities was a welcome relaxation.
What do you want to do next summer?
I’d like to pursue another internship. Possibly at the Maryland Science Center, but also possibly returning to NIST or a similar experience.
What would you say to other UMBC students about getting involved in research as an undergraduate?
Do it. It may take work and planning to get an internship, but it will broaden your mind. Both in the skills and knowledge you will take away, and the chance to experience what you may be spending the rest of your life doing.
Read more about Allison's research by visiting the link below...
I attended a seminar on Undergraduate Research opportunities presented by Janet McGlynn, where NIST was highlighted.
Was the application difficult? Did you have help with the application? How many places did you apply to for summer, 2011?
I did not find it difficult to apply. Most of the summer applications require basically the same material. The most difficult part was writing the personal statement (see below), which can be difficult for any application. I attended a personal statement work shop and I asked for a lot of advice from fellow students more experienced with applying for research positions. I applied to somewhere between five and nine programs.
What project were you assigned at NIST?
I was working with Dr. Lee Richter with organic solar cells. I used ellipsometry to study and characterize the interactions of the components of these devices.
What did you know about this field before you started?
Very little. I knew absolutely nothing of the experimental technique I employed and only had the smattering of background from my undergraduate classes to help me grasp the underlying concepts of the work. But I found so many willing tutors.
What did you learn from the project? Does any of this apply to your work in your major at UMBC?
I learned more than I can realize. I gained a lot of lab experience, as my mentor allowed me to be very involved in the hands-on work of the study. Additionally, I learned about more about the field of physical chemistry, which has guided my graduate school plans. And, perhaps most importantly I learned about how to think about science, and research science in particular.
Who did you work most closely with over the summer?
I worked most closely with my mentor, who personally oversaw my project. I also leaned greatly on the skills and tutelage of several postdocs in our research group.
Did you live with the other NIST/SURF students? What was that like?
I lived in the provided housing. The facilities were very nice, and the chance to participate in group activities was a welcome relaxation.
What do you want to do next summer?
I’d like to pursue another internship. Possibly at the Maryland Science Center, but also possibly returning to NIST or a similar experience.
What would you say to other UMBC students about getting involved in research as an undergraduate?
Do it. It may take work and planning to get an internship, but it will broaden your mind. Both in the skills and knowledge you will take away, and the chance to experience what you may be spending the rest of your life doing.
Read more about Allison's research by visiting the link below...