What an outstanding feeling when I connected the dots regarding the increase of surface area by using a mesoporous surface.  This was familiar to me from the last two summers spent trying to create thin films, and nanowires to also increase surface area.

I also felt a sense of relief as I realized how I could translate what I’m learning into what I’m teaching next year to my 8th grade students. I’m also excited to know that although they will not be able to do the cutting edge research of my mentor(s), they will be able to reproduce a small part of the experiment on a more classroom appropriate level.

I am hopeful the lab I’m creating, coupled with the video of the researcher, will excite my students into considering a science related career.

I don’t have a video to upload, but here I am loading the world’s smallest crucible with sawdust, before heating the sample in the furnace. This was taken at the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering lab.