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Brenden Ferland

Brenden Ferland

PhD student in UConn's Polymer Program developing graphene-polymer composites for sensing and environmental remediation. My work in the Adamson Lab turns abundant raw materials into functional solutions: foams that heat, membranes that filter, sensors that respond. I use Python and Claude Code to move faster from synthesis to insight. Inefficiency bothers me, so I automate what I can.

Research Focus: Adding value to hyperabundant materials

PhD Student · University of Connecticut · Adamson Lab
Email LinkedIn ORCID Scholar GitHub Adamson Lab

My Journey

01

AltaSci Labs

AltaSci Labs
2021-2022

Promoted to lab lead in under a year

  • Cut turnaround 80% with VBA automation
  • Reduced costs 70% through strategic sourcing
  • Built A2LA-compliant method validation protocols
02

Graduate School

Graduate School Graduate School
2022-Present

Python pipelines for polymer research

  • Python automation for instruments and data pipelines
  • Claude Code workflows for analysis and documentation
  • Graphene composites for sensing and remediation

Experience

Graduate Research & Teaching Assistant

UConn Institute of Materials Science
August 2022 - Present
  • Conducting research on graphene-based polymer composites in the Adamson Lab, focusing on developing advanced materials for sensing, environmental remediation, and analytical testing
  • Coded Python scripts to automate lab processes and control instrumentation (Keithley 2400, analytical balance, etc)
  • TA for Polymer Characterization II (Spring 2024): taught GPC and NMR techniques, graded lab reports, mentored students
  • Served as Brand & Data Manager: designed group logo, managed social media presence, and redesigned the Adamson Lab website

Organic Chemistry Lab Lead

AltaSci Labs
June 2022 - August 2022 ↑ Pivoted to Graduate Research
  • Optimized cannabinoid extraction method from 90→30 minutes through rigorous scientific study, validated to ICH Q2R standards
  • Authored SOPs documenting method improvements for regulatory compliance
  • Streamlined data processing through VBA scripts, reducing turnaround times by >80%
  • Performed full HPLC maintenance: piston seals, valves, flow cells, deuterium lamps, columns
  • Reduced consumables costs by over 70% through value-driven sourcing

Laboratory Technician

AltaSci Labs
June 2021 - June 2022 ↑ Promoted in Under a Year
  • Hired as a bench chemist; quickly took on method development, instrument maintenance, and data automation beyond the role’s scope
  • Began building VBA macros and sourcing cheaper consumables before the promotion was formalized
  • Performed routine cannabinoid potency and pesticide testing on cannabis products via HPLC-DAD and LC-MS/MS

Publications

Interfacial Self-Assembly of Graphene Networks at 1 vol% Enables Piezoresistive and Electrothermal Silicone Foams

Ferland, B.; Adamson, D. H.

● Preprint ChemRxiv · Jan 2026
○ Published
PDF Supporting Info
Key Findings
0.43 S/m conductivity at 1.37 vol% loading (12-fold reduction vs. prior methods)
Single-step emulsion templating via thermodynamic self-assembly
Piezoresistive response stable over 5,000 compression cycles
Electrothermal heating to 143°C; 28 s de-icing from −17°C

Depletion effect during the synthesis of conductive graphene-based polymer composites

Umaiya, K.; Ferland, B.; Adamson, D. H.

● Preprint SSRN · Dec 2025
○ Published
PDF
Key Findings
Resistance drops 17× during polymerization (5.19 kΩ → 0.30 kΩ)
Depletion effect: polymer chains excluded when Rg exceeds graphene gap width
Crosslinker (DVB) required for depletion-driven conductivity enhancement
Mechanism validated across styrene, MMA, and tert-butyl acrylate systems

Moisture-driven electric power generation using graphene-based hydrogels for sustained power output and self-powered sensing

Bandara, N. M.; Liu, J.; Ferland, B.; Mahmoudi, M.; Adamson, D. H.

● Preprint ChemRxiv · Oct 2025
○ Published
PDF
Key Findings
0.78 V open-circuit voltage sustained for 120+ hours
Power density of 62 mW/m² from ambient humidity gradients
Operates from −25°C to ambient conditions
Powers electronics: calculator, humidity sensor, LEDs

Transparent conductive PEDOT-graphene films from large-flake graphite

McDermott, S. T.; Ferland, B.; Liu, J.; Abeykoon, P.; Joyce, M. J.; Shuster, S.; Suib, S. L.; Adamson, D. H.

● Preprint ChemRxiv · Oct 2024
● Published Synthetic Metals · Jun 2025
PDF Supporting Info
Key Findings
1070 S/cm conductivity with ~75% visible light transparency
Large-flake graphene (~300 µm) via SITM exfoliation
PSS-free vapor-phase PEDOT polymerization onto graphene films
Demonstrated triethylamine gas sensing capability

Presentations

Solvent Interface Trapping: A Versatile Platform for Functional Graphene Composites

2025 NERPG Fall Technical Meeting

Ferland, B.; Bandara, N.; Adamson, D. H.

2025 NERPG Fall Technical Meeting

Self-assembled graphene-silicone networks for responsive sensing and smart materials

ACS Fall 2025, Washington D.C.

Ferland, B.; Adamson, D. H.

ACS Fall 2025, Washington D.C.

Ohm My Graphene! Silicone-Graphene Foams as Heatable Sorbents & Sensors

RT Major Symposium 2025

Ferland, B.; Adamson, D. H.

RT Major Symposium 2025

Polyamide-graphene microcapsules for forward-osmotic and photothermal water desalination

UConn IMS Industry Affiliates Program 2024

Ferland, B.; Adamson, D. H.

UConn IMS Industry Affiliates Program 2024

Polyelectrolyte-encapsulated graphene-nylon microcapsules for osmotic water treatment

ACS Spring 2024, New Orleans

Ferland, B.; Adamson, D. H.

ACS Spring 2024, New Orleans

Awards & Honors

Rubber Division, ACS Global Polymer Summit Student Initiative Award

Rubber Division, ACS 2025
  • Led a delegation of 3 students to the inaugural Global Polymer Summit in Cleveland, OH
  • Attended technical sessions, poster sessions, expo floor, and young professionals meetings
  • Built connections with University of Akron, Georgia State University, and Case Western rubber research groups
  • Catalyzed subsequent collaboration at the NERPG Fall Technical Meeting

SPE Connecticut Section Scholarship

Society of Plastics Engineers 2023, 2024

Undergraduate Awards

President's List Dean's List Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Central Connecticut State University Tunxis Community College
Central Connecticut State University Central Connecticut State University
President's List
Fall 2017 Spring 2018 Spring 2019
Dean's List
Fall 2017 Spring 2018 Fall 2018 Spring 2019
Tunxis Community College Tunxis Community College
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
Spring 2017
Dean's List
Spring 2015 Spring 2016 Fall 2016 Spring 2017 Fall 2020

Leadership

President & Founder

ACS Rubber Division UConn Chapter 2024-2026
The Story

President & Founder

ACS Rubber Division UConn Chapter · November 2024 - August 2026

  • Founded chapter in November 2024; officially established February 2025
  • Grew membership from 6 founding members to 32 (5x growth in one semester)
  • Organized inclusive department potluck with Ramadan accommodations
  • Launched creative soap sponsorship campaign with rubber-themed puns
  • Organized joint Rubber-SPE lunch for 45 students, recruiting 17 new members
  • Led monthly executive board meetings to plan activities and operations

President

Society of Plastics Engineers UConn Chapter 2024-2026 Senator '23 → President '24
The Story

President

Society of Plastics Engineers UConn Chapter · August 2023 - August 2026

  • Represented student interests in chapter governance
  • Contributed to event planning and member engagement
  • Navigated the chapter through a funding crisis
  • Organized professional development events and fostered industry connections

Guide

GEU-UAW Local 6950 2024-2025 District Steward '23 → Guide '24
The Story

Guide

GEU-UAW Local 6950 · August 2023 - August 2025

  • Represented District 2 members; served on Grievance, Organizing, Social Justice, and Website committees
  • Led graphic design for mental health awareness campaign
  • Conducted workplace walkthroughs ensuring safety and wellness standards
  • Represented union at NYC climate march and UAW solidarity actions
  • Helped organize community events including coffee hours and ice cream socials
  • Elected to coordinate stewards and shape union direction for ~2,400 graduate employees
  • Pioneered thematic redistricting for improved member representation
  • Helped bargain the 2026 Collective Bargaining Agreement
  • Served on hiring committee for 3 staff members

Skills

AI & Automation

Analytical Competencies

Method Validation

Thermal Analysis

Thermal stability, glass transitions, melting points, thermal conductivity

uconn adamson

Spectroscopy

Molecular structure, graphene characterization, optical properties

uconn altasci

Chromatography

Molecular weight distributions, compound separation & quantification

uconn altasci

Mass Spectrometry

Trace compound quantification at ppb levels

altasci

Microscopy & Imaging

Morphology, particle sizing, porosity measurements

uconn adamson

Electrical Characterization

Conductivity, sheet resistance, and sensor response measurements

adamson

Materials & Processing

Leadership & Communication

Education Connecticut

Connecticut, start to finish · First-generation graduate

Associate of Science (AS), Liberal Arts and Sciences

Tunxis Community College

2014 - 2017

Bachelor of Science (BS), Biochemistry

Central Connecticut State University

2017 - 2019

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Polymer Science

University of Connecticut, Polymer Program

August 2022 - August 2027 (Expected)

Teaching

Polymer Characterization II

Teaching Assistant · Dr. Alexandru Asandei
Spring 2024

Taught GPC and NMR characterization techniques as a supplement to the main lecturer. Led laboratory sessions demonstrating proper instrument operation and data analysis. Graded lab reports and mentored students on polymer molecular weight determination and structure elucidation.

Service

Union Committee Member

GEU-UAW Local 6950 · 2023 - Present
Organizing 2023-Present Social Justice 2023-2024 Grievance 2023-2024 Website 2024-Present
  • Conducted workplace walkthroughs ensuring safety and wellness standards
  • Organized community events including coffee hours and ice cream socials
  • Coordinated rights education and email campaigns
  • Represented union at NYC climate march and UAW solidarity actions
  • Led graphic design for mental health awareness campaign using Photoshop

STEM Education Volunteer Tour Guide

UConn Institute of Materials Science
June 2025
  • Volunteered as a tour guide for UConn’s “Empowering Kids” STEM outreach program, leading groups of 85+ eighth-grade students from six Connecticut school districts through hands-on learning stations including fuel cell technology demonstrations, solar energy applications, and engineering challenges.

Industry Affiliates Program Tour Guide

UConn Institute of Materials Science
2023, 2024
  • Guided industry partners through the Science 1 Research Center and various campus laboratories during the annual IAP meeting, showcasing cutting-edge research facilities and fostering industry-academia connections.

Symposium Schedule Developer

UConn Polymer Program 60th Anniversary
August 2025
  • Built interactive live-updating schedule for the IMS Polymer Program 60th Anniversary Symposium at ACS Washington D.C. 2025
  • React + TypeScript + Vite with real-time countdown and live status indicators
  • Lab-based filtering with color-coded cards, abstract viewing with scientific term highlighting
  • Calendar export (iCal/Google) and interactive demo mode with time travel controls

Certifications

QSight Training Course

PerkinElmer · Feb 2022

Operation and maintenance of the QSight 420 triple-quad LC-MS/MS

Understanding 17025:2017 for Testing and Calibration Laboratories

A2LA WorkPlace Training · Feb 2022

Laboratory quality management systems for testing and calibration accreditation