Mellon Fellow Yuuki Wittmer '18 Researches Liquid Crystalline Properties of Copper

2018 Feb 12

Mellon Fellow Yuuki Wittmer '18 continued her research on the liquid crystalline properties of copper during the summer. She sat down with Knox to talk about her research.

Knox College [KC]: What is the most important lesson you've learned outside the classroom?

Yuuki Wittmer [YW]: The importance of being yourself and being non-judgmental. Knox has a very inclusive atmosphere which was so different than what I was used to, and has allowed me to grow as a person. Being at Knox and interacting with other students of different backgrounds has educated me in so many ways I didn't think were possible.

KC: What inspired you to pursue this research?

YW: I've conducted an independent study in chemistry. I analyzed the liquid crystalline properties of copper dimers using propyl valerate as a ligand. Liquid crystals are in a phase that exists between a liquid and a solid. I'm currently expanding on this independent study to look at other ligands with the propyl valerate ligand on the copper dimer. I hope to compare my results and further understand the different liquid crystalline properties with each different product I synthesize.

So far, one of the most important things that I've learned from my independent study and research is the experience of working in a research lab setting. There have been challenges where a reaction wouldn't go as planned, which doesn't normally happen in a class lab. Therefore, it required me to look at alternative ways to improve my procedure by applying the knowledge that I'd learned from the many chemistry classes that I have taken. This research has strengthened my problem-solving abilities, as well as the importance of working as a team, learning from the other students doing research.

KC: Could you tell us about a mentor who's had a significant impact on your research, learning, or career plans?

YW: The professors that I've had, especially in my majors, have all impacted my education and career plans. They've supported my passion for both chemistry and neuroscience by teaching me how interesting it is. In addition, they've pushed me to improve and encouraged me to continue through trial and step out of my comfort zone to get to where I am now. As a first-year, I would've never thought that I'd be double-majoring in chemistry and neuroscience, doing research in the summer, and having a plan to conduct research as a career. I think all the professors that I had so far in these fields have deeply impacted me to be where I am today and have the goals that I do now.

Yuuki Wittmer '18 is involved in International Club, Japanese Club, and Chemistry Club. Her extracurriculars, she said, "helped me learn about the diverse cultures on campus, and learn from people with different ways of thinking." As a recipient of the Andrew W. Mellon grant, she independently researched liquid crystals.