AIKEN, SC (11/20/2018) The University of South Carolina Aiken and the Savannah River National Laboratory launched the first Science on Tap exchange for this academic year in Pacer Alley, the university's downtown location.
"Science on Tap is a unique opportunity for our students to network with scientists and engineers from the Savannah River National Laboratory," said Dr. Chad Leverette, interim dean of the USC Aiken College of Sciences and Engineering.
This interactive speaker series connects students and faculty from USC Aiken with experts from Savannah River National Laboratory to discuss science.
The recent event kicked off with a student poster session, followed by speakers from USC Aiken's College of Sciences and Engineering and the Savannah River National Laboratory, and ended with a networking session, during which scientists and researchers for both sides explored how they may continue to partner.
Dr. Simona Murph, principal scientist, for the National and Homeland Security Directorate at Savannah River National Laboratory presented her research: "State-of-the-Art NanoMaterials: From Innovation to Marketplace." Additionally, Dr. Nicholas Marshall, assistant professor in the USC Aiken Department of Chemistry and Physics, presented: "Ship-in-a-Bottle Polymerization: Polythiophene Doping of Metal-Organic Frameworks."
At the end of each of the presentations, both scientists shared with attendees their desires to collaborate more on research and projects.
"We enjoy a wonderful partnership with the lab. They are huge supporters of our students. Scientists at the lab work closely with our faculty members to provide our undergraduate researchers high-impact learning experiences," Leverette said.
"Together, we can maximize the potential at both institutions while at the same time assisting young scholars in pursing STEM fields."