Hello, my name is Jeffrey Walters. I am a rising junior at Virginia State University. I am a chemistry major with a concentration in biochemistry. After graduating I plan on either going into the workplace or joining a M.D program where I will pursue my dream of becoming a doctor.
I am working in Dr. Zhang’s lab during my time here at UC. His lab focuses on exploring nanoscience which offers one of the most exciting opportunities for innovation in technology. Specifically, my project is focused on silica nanoparticles (mSiO2) which can act as a carrier to deliver something easily. For example, a drug. These porous nanoparticles have many pores. After creating them from conducting a synthesis they are loading with toluidine blue (TBO), a photosensitizer, and coated with a dopamine shell. The TBO molecule is water soluble dye molecule that will help me observe the process. I am working and analyzing the best way these mSiO2 particles can be loaded by using various techniques and methods.