Conducting Research in Chemistry
By Sebastian Perez ‘25This past summer I worked in the chemistry department at Akron University in the Ziegler lab. The group has worked on projects centered around excited state proton transfer as well as understanding coordination chemistry between metals and ligands. My project specifically, focused on characterizing amino-naphthol Schiff bases using H-NMR, UV-Vis Spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Additionally, I developed my own protocols to synthesize amino-quinoline derived Schiff bases.
Working in the Ziegler Lab has helped me greatly improve my analytical chemistry skills, especially with H-NMR. Moreover, I have learned how to operate new instrumentation such as the X-ray diffractometer.
Additional experiences that I greatly value include collaborating with graduate students and learning about their student experience, conversing with other chemistry professors, and having the opportunity to mentor high school students interested in chemistry
The experience solidified my aspiration to enroll into a graduate program to continue studying chemistry. I hope to continue in the research field and apply any findings towards sustainability and renewable energy.
Internship funded by the D'Auteuil, Richard G. '82 & Kimberly A. Labbe '82 Internship Fund.