Juniata College
NIST Research Intern
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Related links:
The Semiconductor & Dimensional Metrology Division at the National Institute for Standards and Technology, NIST, provides leadership in conducting research in the areas of dimensional, nanometer-scale, surface, and acoustic pressure metrology; accelerometry; silicon Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) technology; MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS); power electronics; nanoelectronics; and flexible/printed electronics.
A new sensor is being developed at NIST that will uniquely identify individual biomolecules in complex solutions. The sensor is based on a solid-state nanopore with molecular-scale features and an integrated transistor using a 2-dimensional semiconductor. This device will take advantage of the fact that every molecule has a unique electrostatic profile, arising from the unique arrangement of functional groups, ligands, and heteroatom within the molecular structure.
Teresa and fellow SPS intern Shauna are assisting the division with the nanofabrication steps, electrical testing, and fluidic testing using targeted molecules and numerically modeling the device.
My name is Teresa and I am a rising senior physics major. I have had a lot of fun over the last three years doing cool experiments in lab and I just finished a project where I used magnetic resonance to measure the dielectric constant of water. I’ve also had a great time with my SPS chapter planning yearly physics demo shows that we call Physics Phun Night where we levitate beach balls, freeze fruit in liquid nitrogen, and shatter wine glasses with sound! I’m a part of my schools women in physics advocacy club and help with local outreach events to showcase physics to girls in local elementary schools.
Outside of physics I enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities including swimming, hiking, and rollerblading to name a few. I’m also into science fiction and fantasy movies. In terms of music I listen to almost anything from classic rock to international fusion to classical. I play the violin and I lately I’ve become really interested in Irish fiddling. I’ve been on lots of vacations around the country. My family and I have up and down the whole east coast, to Kentucky, Ohio, Louisiana, and as far west as South Dakota. I’m really looking forward to this summer where I can meet new people from all over!