This is a space where UIUC SPI participants in the Summer 2013 Research Methods and Writing Seminar engage each other as researchers, intellectuals and members of a cross disciplinary knowledge producing community.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Weekly Assignment #1
Hello Everyone,
I'm Lonna and this summer I will be working on projects dealing with photovoltaic devices, better known as solar cells. I am excited to start the Electrical and Computer Engineering program at Illinois this fall! My research group specializes in photonics (sensors) and nanotechnology. I am hoping to also gain experience in optics. I became interested in the topic through networking with current graduate students within the ECE program here. A current PhD student within the department recently became my mentor. I read a publication she authored regarding photovoltaic devices and will now be working with her to experiment and gather data. This particular project deals with the production of efficient solar cells. It is particularly important, because we are working to determine the best means of producing efficient, affordable solar technology. While the concept of solar energy is not new, it is currently difficult to produce on a mass scale due to production costs. We intend to discover a way to remedy the situation and, thus, create an incentive to utilize an energy source that is not harmful to the environment.
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Number 1: It's awesome to have you in my R&W Family! I'm looking forward to working with you throughout the summer.
ReplyDeleteNumber 2: You're research sounds really neat! Although I've always said that I never wanted to do research that was in the least bit applicable to the real world, the more I see neat, potentially world altering, research like this the more I am tempted to change my stance. It'll be exciting to hear about your work as you progress towards your PhD.
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ReplyDelete"we are working to determine the best means of producing efficient, affordable solar technology."
ReplyDeleteThat is such a wonderful goal* and I look forward to hearing more about your as it progresses!
*Lonna probably knows this already, but for anyone skimming through, her work has the potential to help:
1) Alleviate asthma brought on by the combustion of conventional fuels. (This is experienced at staggering rates by children, especially those in families that are economically vulnerable, as they are more likely to live in areas with poor air quality.)
2) Slow down the rate of climate change but reducing global CO2 emissions. This is something that will impact (and arguably already has started to impact) vulnerable communities in a particularly nasty way. There is anticipation of a huge increase of refugee populations as a result of the environmental changes expected, perhaps along with increased tensions over food and water resources (particularly as a result of increased droughts and floods). What many people don't realize is that there are quite a number of researchers that predict this will happen within the twenty first century, especially if we stick to our current practices. (In fact, sea level rise has already forced some island communities/nations to begin plans for the evacuation of the lands on which their people and culture were seated for thousands of years. Because of what has already occurred, and because it is so difficult to change our practices, these are places are essentially guaranteed to go under, even if the more stringent policies proposed are taken up.)
3) Provide energy to people without access to electricity, allowing them to breath easier and, for some farmers, to put organic material back into their soil rather than burning it as fuel. The latter improves crop yields- so that's more food to eat or sell, and sustainability - more years years to live off of one's land.
4) Fuel an emerging economy and make it more competitive, which I have been told can lead to more jobs and perhaps small businesses. (However I know little about economics so maybe I should run this last one by Patrese ;)
... but yes, I really mean it. I think the work Lonna is doing is wonderful.
thanks Marissa! :) We have a great R&W Fam!
ReplyDeleteKathryn that is so right! It's great that you know so much about the benefits of solar technology!!