Thames-Rawlins Research Group Current Graduate Students

Brandon C. Achord
Hometown: Brookhaven, MS
B.S., Polymer Science, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS.
Doctoral student in Polymer Science and Engineering at The University of Southern Mississippi.

Present research interests include organic photovoltaic cells. Specific areas of interests are increasing absorption spectrum by synthesis of new copolymers and copolymer blends. The completed block copolymers contain all the necessary components for a functional active layer of a solar cell. Optimization of certain characteristics of the block copolymers are of main interest, for the intended purpose of increasing the overall efficiency of the photovoltaic cells. Polymerization techniques utilized in this process includes Grignard Metathesis (GRIM), Nitroxide Mediated Polymerization (NMP) and Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP). Recent research has been focused on a fundamental understanding of mechanism of polymerization of Grignard Metathesis, as well as thermal stability and aggregation of Fullerene containing polymers. A complete understanding of the process used to synthesize conductive polymers opens avenues for future developments and control over the structures created.
This research has economical as well as environmental driving forces. With high concerns of the future supply of energy, solar power, and other renewable resources, such research is becoming a high priority. Success in polymeric based photovoltaics would allow for drastic reductions in cost and make solar power a viable option.

AWARDS:
Robin M. Hearin Graduate Fellow Award, 2005 - 2010.
Southern Bioproducts and Renewable Energy Conference Student Poster Award, 2009.

PUBLICATIONS::

1. Achord, Brandon C.; Rawlins, James W., "Evidence of Ni(0) Complex Diffusion during Grignard Metathesis Polymerization of 2,5-Dibromo-3-hexylthiophene" Macromolecules, 2009, 42(22), 8634-8639.

2. Storey, Robson F.; Scheuer, Adam D.; Achord, Brandon C., "Poly(acrylate-b-styrene-b-isobutylene-b-styrene-b-acrylate) block copolymers via carbocationic and atom transfer radical polymerizations" Journal of Macromolecular Science, Part A: Pure and Applied Chemistry, 2006, 43(10), 1493-1512.

3. Storey, Robson F.; Scheuer, Adam D.; Achord, Brandon C., "Amphiphilic poly(acrylic acid-b-styrene-b-isobutylene-b -styrene-b-acrylic acid) pentablock copolymers from a combination of quasiliving carbocationic and atom transfer radical polymerization" Polymer, 2005, 46(7), 2141-2152.

Pirro Cipi
Hometown: Tirana, Albania
B.S., Microbiology, 2005, Mississippi University for Women, Columbus, MS. 
Minor in Chemistry
Doctoral student in Polymer Science and Engineering at The University of Southern Mississippi with an emphasis in Technology Commercialization.

Research focus is to develop a fundamental understanding of enzyme activity behavior in polymer films and coatings with embedded biocatalyst and functional components. This research will serve as an experimental and theoretical framework to determine how polymer variables affect rates of in situ biocatalyzed reactions. Advancements will lead to novel compositions of materials with switchable bulk properties. Research Interests: Design of polymer compositions with autonomic response to biochemical, mechanical, and electromagnetic stimuli for biomedical and electronic applications.

AWARDS:
2008 American Coatings Show Best Paper Award
NPCA and Vincentz Network; Charlotte, NC
2007 and 2006 Noetic Technologies Invent Your Future Competition

Joshua S. Hanna
Hometown: Booneville, MS
B.S., Chemistry, Millsaps College.
Doctoral student in Polymer Science at The University of Southern Mississippi.

Present research includes the most widely used anticorrosive coatings are two-component (2K) thermoset epoxy-amine systems.  Despite their excellent performance characteristics, thermoset systems are not amenable to a broad range of precise characterization methods, i.e., measuring molecular weight versus environmental exposure.  To access the molecular weight versus exposure limitations, model high molecular thermoplastic (HMWTP) epoxy-amine systems that perform similarly with standard systems and broaden the available characterization methods have been synthesized.  The HMWTP model polymers will be varied in the DGEBA block length in order to vary the amount of bond strengths in the polymer backbone and correlate to degradation mechanisms.  Using thermoplastic systems will eliminate the variable effects such as cure times, crosslinker ratio, side reactions with other formulation raw materials, and heat of cure versus coating performance, and narrow the research to the influence of substrates, additives, and raw materials specific for corrosion mechanism, characterization, and kinetics in the earliest possible stages.  In our research, the degradation effects from ASTM B 117, salt water immersion, QUV and thermal weathering on the FTIR spectrum, Tg, molecular weight, and fluorescence of synthesized epoxy coatings has been investigated.

AWARDS:
NSF GK-12 Fellowship

David Krzeminski
Hometown: Grandville, MI
B.S., Materials Science and Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University.
B.S., Biomedical Engineering ,Carnegie Mellon University.
Doctoral student in Sports & High Performance Materials at The University of Southern Mississippi.

Present research interests include protective sports equipment, specifically polymeric materials used in head protection. Areas of focus include the characterization of thermoplastic materials during a focal impact event and the material's impact attenuation performance. Studying the thermal response and strain behavior will serve to characterize attenuation mechanisms and potential material degradation. The focus is to develop a fundamental understanding of energy dissipation mechanisms in these thermoplastic materials, the thermal response during these dynamic impact events, and how these lead to the onset of degradation. The overall research aim is to accurately predict the transfer of energy through a helmet system and onto the head, with the ultimate goal of minimizing the occurrence of concussions.

AWARDS:
Noetic Technologies Invent Your Future Competition FInalist

Nadine Lippa
Hometown: Bergen, NY
B.S., Materials Science & Engineering and Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University.
Doctoral student in Sports & High Performance Materials at The University of Southern Mississippi.

Present research is focused on running shoe materials and the associated biomechanics to decrease the incidence of overuse injuries.

Stephanie Messer
Hometown: Oak Grove, MN
B.S., Chemistry, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota.
Minor in Biology and Theatre
Master's Student in Polymer Science at The University of Southern Mississippi.

Present research is focused on the design and development of new test methods to predict and determine the corrosion protection of coated substrates, mainly AA 2024-T3. Work is currently focused on molecular probes to detect environmental changes within a coated system that may lead to damaging corrosion if left unmanaged. The goal of her research is to implement new, high throughput testing protocols for novel coating systems as well as maintenance programs for the Department of Defense.

James Henry Whittemore IV
Hometown: Austin, TX
B.S., Biochemistry, Texas State University.
Doctoral Student in Polymer Science at The University of Southern Mississippi.

Present research is focused on controlling the active layer morphology of organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices. OPV devices have the potential to be highly competitive with their inorganic counterparts by offering ease of processing, use of inexpensive and non-toxic materials, lightness, and flexibility. OPV cells, however, have very low power conversion efficiencies as a result of short exciton diffusion lengths and reduces charge transport. James' main focus is in obtaining core-shell nanoparticles that can be used in the active layer of organic photovoltaic devices. These particles will impart predefined domain s pacing resulting in three-dimensional nanoscale control and higher power conversion efficiencies.

AWARDS:
IGERT Fellow
Noetic Technologies Invent Your Future Competition FInalist
3rd Place Mississippi Technology Alliance Business Plan Competition
5.27.2008: James Whittemore Recongized for Business Venture