University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research

It's here! Epsiode 4 of our Researching the Researcher series, featuring Vivian Edwards! Vivian walks us through the process of how coal is made naturally, followed by our coal liquefaction process which converts coal into graphite for lithium-ion batteries or into a precursor for spinning carbon fiber. Out of the lab, we hear from Dave Eaton, who tells the heartwarming story of how he became Vivian's father-in-law, forming a CAER family. Finally, we come face to face with Banana, one of Vivian's eleven pet tarantulas! Lots more learning and fun on YouTube! https://lnkd.in/egc99_Cf

Thank you to our UK CAER advisory board, who met with us today in Lexington. Your guidance, feedback, and support are vital to our progress. Aron Patrick, PPL Corporation, UK Research Communications, Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, Jack Groppo, Matthew Weisenberger, Eduardo Santillan-Jimenez, John Anthony, Bob Jewell

Over the summer, I had the privilege of conducting research at the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research, where I worked primarily on the development of a multifilament spinning process for conductive PEDOT fibers--and as school has gotten fully underway, I've found myself reflecting on the connections between my studies and all that I learned. Working with the Carbon Materials group at CAER was such an incredible experience. I look back on the months I spent learning, communicating, and researching, and am filled with gratitude. Even as an undergraduate (who didn't have a strong background in materials science), I was a valued member of the team. I had a voice, and because I was able to vocalize my curiosities and ideas, my confidence and skills grew exponentially. A million thanks to my amazing mentors and supervisors, including (but not limited to) E. Ashley Morris, PhD, David Eaton, Leah Noble, and Matthew Weisenberger--working, collaborating, and learning with all of you was an experience that has shaped the way I view scientific research and approach problems. And last but not least, a massive thank you to Laura Russell, the best lab buddy and the first person I go to for help with refining my ideas and troubleshooting. As I move through my lectures, labs, and activities, I feel the impacts of everything I learned. I've applied wet lab skills that I developed in fiber spinning to organic chemistry, analytical problem solving techniques to chemical process principles, and ideas I learned studying capillary rheometry to physics. I will always be thankful for the time I spent with this amazing group, and I can't wait to see what comes next!

Students! Tomorrow is the deadline to apply for the Lee T. Todd, Jr. Student Innovation Scholarship! $10K Scholarship Lead Your Own Innovation Entrepreneurial Mentor More Info and Application: https://lnkd.in/ghY8U7x3

Please join us in congratulating Wayne Pettit on his retirement after 45 years of service and commitment to UK CAER. He is a joy, a legend, and will never be replaced. Thank you, Wayne, for helping build CAER into what it is today. Our campus won't be the same without you!

University of Kentucky faculty and staff, check out this great funding opportunity!

"Believe in yourself. Focus on what you want to do. Find encouraging mentors who cheer you on toward your goals, through all of the ups and downs you may encounter. Don’t let one bad experience derail you from pursuing what you love." -- E. Ashley Morris, PhD, CAER Principal Research Engineer. Read about Ashley's journey from a Shelbyville farm to the Material Science lab, and how she is passionate about uplifting the next generation to forge their own path in STEM. Feature article by Julia Hill, UK Communication Intern https://lnkd.in/dc9tjKUg

Lucas Bertucci was the inaugural recipient of the Lee T. Todd Student Innovation Scholarship and made national headlines for his innovative research. Lucas started his own profitable business and now attends graduate school at Yale. Truly, his story showcases what is Wildly Possible at the University of Kentucky. You could be next! Apply Now! Deadline is 9/13! - $10K Scholarship - Lead Your Own Innovation - Entrepreneurial Mentor More Info and Application: https://lnkd.in/ghY8U7x3 University of Kentucky College of Engineering, University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, College of Arts and Sciences

A great oportunity for teams to develop a project here in Kentucky. Tagging Western Kentucky University, Morehead State University, and University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research https://lnkd.in/gUhi9QZh

Chad Risko, PhD: is the founder of ExpFlow, the Faculty Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research, and the John C. Hubbard Professor of Chemistry at the University of Kentucky. Reflecting on his experience with the UAccel program, Dr. Risko shares: “Prior to UAccel, our team had no experience with customer discovery, nor did we understand how our technology fits within the broader commercial landscape. The program provided us with a fantastic opportunity to learn and put to practice new skills that we continue to build on as we decide on the best path forward for our technology.” Applications for our Fall UAccel Quick Start + I-Corps program are now open. Seize this opportunity to propel your innovation forward! Register here▶️https://loom.ly/aQoIop0 • • • • • #Kentucky #Startup #Training #entrepreneur #Innovation #Founders #Innovator