Professional Summary

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.

Work Experience

Graduate Research & Teaching Assistant

August 2022 - Present
University of Connecticut
  • 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

June 2022 - August 2022
AltaSci Labs
  • 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

June 2021 - June 2022
AltaSci Labs

Contributed to laboratory operations and assisted in various analytical procedures.

Presentations

Solvent Interface Trapping: A Versatile Platform for Functional Graphene Composites - 2025 NERPG Fall Technical Meeting
Self-assembled graphene-silicone networks for responsive sensing and smart materials - ACS Fall 2025, Washington D.C.
Ohm My Graphene! Silicone-Graphene Foams as Heatable Sorbents & Sensors - RT Major Symposium 2025
Polyamide-graphene microcapsules for forward-osmotic and photothermal water desalination - UConn IMS Industry Affiliates Program 2024
Polyelectrolyte-encapsulated graphene-nylon microcapsules for osmotic water treatment - ACS Spring 2024, New Orleans

Publications

  • Depletion effect during the synthesis of conductive graphene-based polymer composites
  • Umaiya, K.; Ferland, B.; Adamson, D. H.
  • 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.
  • 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.

    Skills & Proficiencies

    Technical Expertise

    Polymer Science

    Method Development & Validation

    Workflow Optimization

    Data Analysis

    Literature Review

    Regulatory Compliance

    Quality Assurance

    Process Improvement

    Leadership & Communication

    Organizational Development

    Leadership & Mentoring

    Public Speaking

    Project Management

    Event Planning & Coordination

    Advocacy & Representation

    Professional Networking

    Strategic Planning

    Collaboration & Problem Solving

    Collaboration & Teamwork

    Problem Solving

    Scientific Writing

    Cost Optimization

    Vendor Relations & Procurement

    Instrumentation

    Agilent 1260 Infinity

    QSight 420

    Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC)

    Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)

    Raman Spectroscopy

    Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)

    Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)

    Software & Programming

    Chemstation

    Agilent OpenLab

    Office 365

    Visual Basic for Applications (VBA)

    ImageJ/Fiji

    Python