How do we develop future leaders in sustainable chemistry – in particular, chemists from diverse backgrounds, with international research experience and an understanding of global scientific challenges and solutions?

The Bath Institute of Sustainability and Climate Change (ISCC) is collaborating with the University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG) on a three-year National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded International Research Experience for Undergraduates (IREU) that aims to do just that.

National Science Foundation’s '10 Big Ideas'

'One of the primary goals of "Chemistry for a Sustainable Future - an International Research Experience in the UK" is to give chemistry students in the US an opportunity to work at ISCC, an internationally recognised centre known for pioneering multidisciplinary training in sustainable chemical technologies and fostering the integration of science and engineering to drive research and innovation,' said co-principal investigators Professor Norman Chiu from UNCG and Professor Anne Glenn from Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina. 'The founding concept of ISCC is convergence research, an approach to solving complex problems focusing on societal needs, which is one of the NSF’s 10 Big Ideas to guide research investment.'

International Research Experience for Undergraduates (IREU)

The IREU is especially aimed at students at Primarily Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs) or community colleges, which are often smaller than large research universities in the US, can be private or public, and offer varying levels of resources for students and faculty. IREU participants are recruited as rising juniors or seniors (equivalent to second- and final-year students in England), with the goal that at least half are from underrepresented groups in STEM.

This year, nine students from colleges and universities in southeastern US undertook a 10-week summer placement (first week in the US, nine weeks at the University of Bath) and were mentored by members of ISCC from the Departments of Chemistry, and Chemical Engineering, and the Innovation Centre for Applied Sustainable Technologies (iCAST). Their research projects were focused on sustainable chemistry, including polymer chemistry, chemical catalysis, solid-state chemistry, and nanochemistry.

Inspiring bright young minds

'We take great pride in inspiring and training the next generation of scientists and engineers who will be at the forefront of addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges,' said ISCC Executive Director Professor Matthew Davidson. 'Within our Sustainable Chemical Technologies research theme at ISCC, we design molecules, materials and manufacturing processes to enable a circular economy and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Providing bright young minds with structured research experience and mentorship in this field is an essential component of our work.'

Meet two of the 2024 summer placement students

We spoke to two of our 2024's summer placement students, Ella Nolen and Kimberly Sanabria, about their projects, taking part in the research exchange and how their experiences have impacted them.

Introducing Ella Nolen

My mentor was Dr Andrew Johnson, and the aim of my project was to develop molecular precursors for creating thin-film materials of metal sulphides. The metal sulphides I studied can be used in photocatalysis and electrolysis, which will help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels in hydrogen fuel production. Additionally, these thin-film materials are useful as semiconductors in a wide variety of technologies. I really appreciated the way Dr Johnson encouraged me to take ownership of my project and gain an in-depth understanding of my research.

Ella's experience of the IREU

What skills have you gained from participating in this IREU?

This experience has given me a lot of confidence. I’ve become much more comfortable putting my chemistry knowledge to use and making my own decisions in the lab. I also got the opportunity to learn about X-ray crystallography and analysing 2D Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) data.

What has been the most surprising outcome?

The most surprising outcome of this experience has been not wanting to leave at the end! I have really enjoyed getting to know all my lab mates and exploring a new culture. While being in a new country was certainly more challenging than I had expected initially, I have really come to love it here.

How has this experience enhanced your understanding of global scientific challenges and solutions?

This IREU has introduced me to the wide variety of ways in which chemistry is being used to solve problems related to sustainability. I came into this programme already knowing that I wanted a career in sustainability. However, attending ISCC events during this IREU broadened my understanding of how I could pursue this dream, and I learned more about the sustainability challenges that scientists are working to solve.

In what ways has this IREU influenced your future career plans or academic goals?

This programme has helped convince me to pursue a career in chemistry research.

'I applied to this programme because I wanted to learn more about having a career as a research chemist and how I could use my love for chemistry to have a positive impact on sustainability.' – Ella Nolen, undergraduate chemistry student at Davidson College, USA

Introducing Kimberly Sanabria

During a meeting with my academic advisor, Professor Ruth Riter, we discussed my plans for the upcoming summer. I expressed interest in research despite lacking experience and uncertainty about my career path, as well as a desire to study abroad. My goal was to explore research in a country whose culture I have long admired through the media.

Under the mentorship of Dr Alexander O’Malley, my research project focused primarily on computational chemistry. The methanol to hydrocarbon (MTH) process is the route to valuable hydrocarbons, which bypasses the use of crude oil. The rate-determining step of this process is the diffusion of methanol to the active site in zeolite frameworks. I was modelling the diffusivity of methanol within the zeolite framework H-ZSM-5, focusing particularly on how the presence of benzene, an intermediate in the MTH process, impacted this diffusion.

The MTH process has significant potential. This process converts methanol, which can be derived from various renewable sources such as biomass, into hydrocarbons, including fuels and chemicals traditionally obtained from fossil resources. By using renewable methanol, the MTH process can reduce dependence on fossil fuels, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to a more sustainable energy and chemical industry.

Kimberly's experience of the IREU

Have you learned new skills from participating in this IREU?

I have gained valuable experience in both computational and laboratory research. I learned to use the Linux command line, molecular visualisers like Aten and VMD, and accessed a supercomputer through HPC services. These techniques allowed me to generate input structures and run molecular dynamics simulations of my systems of interest.

In preparation for my research presentation at the end of this summer placement, I practised extensively with my lab group, building confidence and honing my ability to communicate my research to those unfamiliar with the field.

How has your experience enhanced your understanding of global scientific challenges and solutions?

At the University of Bath, sustainability is a visible and integral part of the campus environment, with numerous initiatives reflecting a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. My research has introduced me to innovative scientific processes that reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions. This experience has broadened my perspective on global sustainability efforts and highlighted the critical role of research and education in advancing environmental goals.

Finally, has this IREU influenced your future career plans?

Before this IREU, I had no understanding of the requirements for completing a PhD, or earning a master's degree. As a first-generation student, it has been invaluable to meet individuals who have undertaken these paths. Their guidance has encouraged me to consider graduate school as a viable option. Furthermore, I am keen to continue developing the skills I have acquired in computational chemistry, and plan to discuss future research opportunities and internships with my academic advisors to further this pursuit.

'As a first-generation student, I had many fears about studying abroad. I expressed my interest in research with my academic supervisor and, with guidance from Professor Anne Glenn, was accepted for this IREU.' – Kimberley Sanabria, undergraduate chemistry student at Agnes Scott College, USA