Caitlin E.

Background

About Caitlin E.

Growing up in the vibrant state of Michigan, I am inspired by the energy of Metro Detroit. Witnessing the innovation of the Big Three Automakers and the advancements made by industry leading chemical companies such as DOW and BASF, I became enamored by STEM early on. This curiosity only grew into further determination, as I found my calling in the field of chemistry. My journey began as an undergrad at Ferris State University, where I underwent extensive industry-based training in analytical and statistical analyses. As a current PhD Candidate in Chemistry at Michigan State University in Seokhyoung Kim's Research Group, my focus lies in the synthesis and electronic characterization of lead-free metal halide perovskite nanomaterials. I am specifically interested in how optoelectronic properties are influenced by crystal structure and charge carrier movement changes due to metal dopants. These experiences have allowed me to gain significant problem-solving and technical skills with: Semiconductor Synthesis: Synthesizing semiconductor nanomaterials in both vapor phase and solution phase with a focus on lead-free perovskite synthesis utilizing Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Device Fabrication: Designing and fabricating electronic nanodevices from novel semiconductor materials using Electron-Beam Lithography (EBL), thin film metal evaporation, and wet etching processes. Analytical Analyses: Conducting accurate and precise analyses to extract meaningful data and insights from semiconductor materials including Source Measure Unit (SMU) Current-Voltage (I-V) measurements, Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES), and Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD) Spectroscopy. Advanced Microscopy: Utilizing microscopy techniques to analyze nanoscale structures, including optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS). Driven by the same childhood curiosity, I am committed to leveraging my expertise to push the boundaries of knowledge in semiconductor technology and contribute to groundbreaking advancements. Whether it's optimizing device performance, investigating nanoscale phenomena, or spearheading collaborative research initiatives, I am motivated by a relentless pursuit of integrity and excellence.