Alex Jess
The Hages Lab
Why did you select UF ChE?
I chose UF ChE because I am from Florida and went to UF for undergrad and absolutely loved it!
What are your research interests?
My research interests are in solar energy materials and nanoparticle synthesis.
What do you like about UF?
UF is a large university so there are plenty of opportunities for collaborations with other departments within UF. Also, I like the comradery in the UF ChE department not only among graduate students, but also graduate students and professors.
What do you love about Gainesville?
Gainesville has most of the amenities of a bigger city, but also has small town feel where it is easy to get around and cost of living is fairly low.
What do you do in your free time?
On weekends, I often play golf or go to local brewery.
Tell us about the connections you have made at UF
I have made many friends and connections while at UF for grad school. Some classmates and I formed a book club during the Covid-19 lockdown so that has been a nice way to keep in touch with each other.
Please share some positive experiences you’ve had with your ChE professors
I have many positive experiences with several professors in UF ChE. They have always been accommodating to my needs as a graduate student, whether it be help in a course or using equipment in their lab for my research. I have never run into any issues.
Aniruddha Kulkarni
Ph.D. Student
Ziegler Research Group
Why did you select UF ChE?
I was aiming to join a graduate program which provided opportunities to conduct collaborative research in the areas of interfacial science with focus on nanomaterials.
What are your research interests?
My research interests lie in understanding and modifying nanoscale interfaces for developing novel biomaterials and studying them with techniques like X-ray and neutron scattering. I am also studying the thermodynamics of separating single walled carbon nanotubes using co-surfactant solutions.
What do you like about UF?
I like the big campus with lots of amenities like the library and gym. The people are very friendly as well.
What do you love about Gainesville?
Lots of nature trails and springs around to explore. Proximity to beaches is also a great thing.
What do you do in your free time?
I took up swimming lessons and spent some summers snorkeling around at the freshwater springs near Gainesville. I am planning to get my scuba license soon to dive at Key West. I also enjoy working out and cooking.
Tell us about the connections you have made at UF
I have made really long lasting friends in my time in Gainesville through various academic, social and volunteering events. The time I spent with these people has definitely been one of the highlights of my stay here.
Please share some positive experiences you’ve had with your ChE professors
All of the professors that I have had the chance of interacting with through classes or research have been very approachable and helpful. I have been using equipment from Dr. Rinaldi, Dr. Stoppel, Dr. Jiang, and Dr. Butler’s lab. Everyone is very supportive of me carrying out part of my work on their instruments which helped to drive my project faster.
Victor Rivera-Llabres
NSF Graduate Research Fellow
Why did you select UF ChE?
I selected UF because I had a great visit in the spring and liked the dynamics of the department and the potential research I could do. There is a lot of collaboration going on and professors interact a lot with graduate students.
What are your research interests?
My research interests surround using magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for biomedical applications. Specifically, using magnetic alginate microparticles for creating aligned microstructures in hydrogels for tissue engineering.
What do you like about UF?
What I like about UF is the diversity that is present everywhere. At classes, riding the bus, walking in campus and the department, anywhere.
What do you love about Gainesville?
From Gainesville I enjoy that the climate is pretty similar to my hometown in Puerto Rico I don’t like when things get too cold, haha.
What do you do in your free time?
On the weekends (pre-pandemic), I used to go out and play pool with some friends or play some sports. I also play video games regularly.
Tell us about the connections you have made at UF
At UF I’ve made good friends in my first year specifically with other graduate students that started ChE in my same cohort.
