Feb06
Posted on Feb 6 by
After enjoying a relaxing winter break, Dianna has made it back to the research lab. Last semester ended with one last nanoparticle synthesis using the Azubel method. These nanoparticles were dried and left in the lab for a month until Dianna returned and was able to take NMR of the sample. Although getting into the lab after the first full week of classes was a challenge, it reminded Dianna of how exciting research is and how great it is to be back at Emmanuel. The semester plan is to try out the Templeton synthesis and to compare these results with the Azubel data using TEM and NMR. For now, Dianna and the rest of the GRAB Lab students are just happy to be back in the...
Feb06
Posted on Feb 6 by
This past week the research group (GRAB: Gerdon Research in Analytical Biomaterials) welcomed non-science members of the Emmanuel College community into the Wilkens Science Center for a fun and informative introduction to lab. Emmanuel College faculty, staff, and students joined in even though they had very little (or no) prior experience in science lab work or science research. They learned about what we do related to calcium biomaterials (calcium carbonate related to ocean chemistry and coral reefs; calcium phosphate related to bone and teeth formation) then they participated in some mineralization experiments with an opportunity for them to explore and to mix together anything they wanted from a “menu” of options. The best part was the teamwork between members of the research group and the participants of the program. What a great experience for all! Thank you to the research group, the Department of Chemistry and Physics, and to the National Science Foundation (DMR 1904460) for...
Dec11
Posted on Dec 11 by
The semester is about over and finals are upon us! That means that work in the lab is slowing down, though there are a few more experiments going on in between studying. The group also took a break from the busy end of semester to get off campus and gather over some pizza. We shared achievements from the semester and goals for the spring! The seniors are looking forward to graduation, but also to the ACS conference coming up in March. Others were happy with successful experiments or with new techniques that they learned in the lab. What a great semester – let’s have another great one in the spring. Good luck on all of those final...
Nov20
Posted on Nov 20 by
The GRAB (Gerdon Research in Analytical Biomaterials) Lab is planning an exploration open lab event for Emmanuel College students, faculty, and staff! Perhaps you’ve taken a few sciences courses, maybe you took those science courses quite a few years ago, or maybe you’ve never set foot in a science lab….but, maybe you always wanted to see what it’s like. We want to break down that imaginary barrier between science and you! Come and join us! The goals of this event are two-fold: Introduce you to a chemistry lab in a way that is enjoyable but is also realistic, honest, and safe. Let you explore mineral formation as it relates to bones and teeth or sea shells and coral reefs. If you’re an Emmanuel College student, faculty, or staff, look for more information to coming...
Oct29
Posted on Oct 29 by
Dianna has officially started working in the research lab! She was able to use several literature papers alongside Dr. Gerdon’s calculations to assemble a protocol for uniform size nanoparticle synthesis. She has been using the standard Templeton method for nanoparticle synthesis with a few changes found in more recent papers. These changes include pH adjustments, longer rotation time, as well as different compounds used to coat the nanoparticles. Dianna is so excited to see which changes to the standard synthesis method create nanoparticles that are uniform in...
Oct17
Posted on Oct 17 by
Logan is very excited to begin working in the lab this semester on calcium phosphate mineralization in microfluidics! So far, Logan made some great strides of achieving mineralization by running the system for about an hour per test, but has had some issues with air bubbles interfering with the mineralization process as a whole. However, after the 4 hour mineralization run Logan did over the past weekend, he feels like he may finally have figured out how to avoid getting any air bubbles at all! Logan looks forward to continuing to work and improve on microfluidics and expand his knowledge on this method of research in accordance with calcium phosphate...
