Boone and Bennett Win First and Second Place at 2016 Edward F. Hayes Graduate Research Forum
Caitlin Boone and Molly Bennett, graduate students in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, won first and second place respectively at the Edward F. Hayes Graduate Research Forum on February 26, 2016. The forum showcases the innovative and exemplary research being conducted by Ohio State graduate students across the full range of graduate degree programs and facilities. The Forum is co-sponsored by the Council of Graduate Students, the Graduate School and the Office of Research.
Boone is a second year master’s student in the Microsystems and Nanosystems Laboratory at Ohio State. Her research is focused on studying ionic transport in nanofluidic channels for applications including water desalination and drug delivery. Her winning poster presentation showcased the methodology development and initial results of research involving AC gated nanofluidic channels versus DC gated nanofluidic channels traditionally studied. “Winning first place was validation that even for such a complex project, with some explanation, people unfamiliar with this research can understand the basic process,” Boone said.
Bennett is completing her master’s degree in mechanical engineering, also in the Microsystems and Nanosystems Laboratory. Bennett’s research shows that engineered bandages with direct electrical current flow between the wound-bandage interface inhibits bacterial growth. A large parametric investigation with various substrates, conductive patterns and designs has led to a novel electroceutical bandage comprised of a silver-based ink on silk fabric, connected to a battery with an on/off switch for easy operation. Tests and human trials are currently in progress. The project, the subject of Bennett’s poster presentation, is a collaboration between the Microsystems and Nanosystems Lab, the Applied Physics Lab and the Comprehensive Wound Center. “It was an honor to be recognized,” Bennett said. “I am proud to have won along with Caitlin and excited about our accomplishments.”
Megan Fitze, vice president, The Council of Graduate Students, says the Hayes Graduate Research Forum is particularly unique because of its interdisciplinary nature. “Graduate students have the opportunity to present their research to students and faculty from a variety of disciplines and receive constructive feedback on their research and presentation skills,” she noted. “This was an extremely competitive year with over 400 applicants and 143 students who accepted.”
The annual Forum is in honor of Dr. Edward F. Hayes who was an internationally distinguished scientist.
