Audrey Dutcher

Background

About Audrey Dutcher

My favorite nail polish is called ‘birefringence’. I love it because it’s an optics term, and one of my favorite phenomena. Although the polish isn’t actually birefringent, it does change color depending on how you look at (iridescence)—so points for effort. My introduction to photonics (optics) has been through butterflies. In my undergraduate research at Silklab (Tufts University), I’ve studied the scales of many different butterflies and moths, specifically the tiny photonic structures within. In my current project, I am investigating the interplay of optical and thermal properties of scales using microscopy, spectroscopy, and thermal imaging. Between understanding the theory of light and how it interacts with materials, I’ve also gotten experience with image processing, data analysis with MATLAB, and presenting my work to both specific and general audiences. I’m excited to continue learning about optics and materials, especially in natural creatures or applied to biological systems. I love learning with and from other people, and nerding out in a collaborative environment.