Advanced Materials for Energy Fellowships

Sarah Vorpahl

BS Chemistry, Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU), Dec 2010
BA Modern Literary Studies, minor: History of Art and Visual Culture, University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), June 2004

Entered UW in 2012 for Chemistry

Research project: Novel scanning probe microscopies for studying thin film kesterite solar cells

Dane de Quilettes

B.S. in Chemistry, minor: Applied Mathematics, Pepperdine University, 2012

Entered UW in Fall 2012 for Chemistry

Research project: nanocrystal-based solar energy harvesting

Great things about being at UW?

UW has top notch research facilities and faculty who are very active in the scientific community. The extensive amount of work on solar cells at UW is amazing and one of the main reasons I chose to come here. Plus, the other graduate students have been absolutely wonderful! I could not have asked for a better first year cohort.

Great things about being in Seattle?

Seattle is the perfect combination of a thriving urban environment in a naturally beautiful surrounding. I am originally from the west coast (CA) and have been wanting to return for quite some time. Seattle has been on my list of cities to live in since I was in high school.

Why energy research?

First and foremost, I really like the science behind renewable energy, specifically photovoltaic devices! I have been drawn to this type of research since I was in undergrad when I realized that the machines I was working on had really cool applications for solar cells. Trying to make renewable energy more efficient requires dedicated minds from many different fields and I just want to be a part of that effort.

Great things about being at UW?

One of the best things about being at UW is the people. The chemistry professors and faculty are some of the most personable and caring people I have met in academia. I feel that my education is important to them and this makes UW a great environment for learning.

Great things about Seattle?

I believe it's one of the most scenic cities in the US and it also has a lot to offer. There are so many activities and venues at your fingertips. Local and large music shows, sports events (Seahawks, Mariners, and Sounders), snowboarding, hiking, fishing, awesome public parks. It also doesn't rain everyday like everyone thinks!

Why energy research?

My background in atmospheric chemistry gave me first-hand experience in understanding how important clean energy is to our health and our environment. I would like to contribute to solving our energy problem by understanding the fundamentals of energy conversion processes in order to prevent pollution and create a more sustainable world.