May 15, 2024
Shawnee State University senior Nathan Johnson received the undergraduate Poster Presentation Award during this year’s Celebration of Scholarship conference. His project “Measuring the Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells with Nickel Diimine Sensitizers”, explored how nickel can be used as an alternative metal in dyes.
“This year, I have been working under the supervision of Dr. Wendi Fleeman on making what are called dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs),” said Johnson. “While DSSCs have been met with some commercial success, their dye sensitizers use expensive metals. My research this semester looked into using nickel as an alternative metal to use in the dyes because of its cheaper cost and relative environmental friendliness.”
Working on this project, the Biology major stepped out of his comfort zone and explored his interested in Chemistry.
“While I am not a chemistry major, my major requires that I take many chemistry classes which led to my interest in chemistry and this project,” said Johnson. “I enjoyed spending time in the lab.”
Presenting during the in-person annual Poster Session, Johnson was grateful to see how his work was recognized by the conference committee.
“I appreciate that people enjoyed listening to my poster presentation and am glad to be in a position where I can share my love of science with others,” he said. “I am very appreciative of being recognized for my work this semester.”
Participating in Celebration of Scholarship gave Johnson a new set of skills to apply to his degree field.
“My research taught me independence and problem-solving skills, which are both invaluable to me moving forward in my academic career,” he said.
To learn more about the annual Celebration of Scholarship conference at Shawnee State University, visit shawnee.edu/cos.