Dr. Monika Poonia
Postdoctoral researcher in Chemical Engineering with Dr. Geoffrey D. Bothun
University of Rhode Island

My research under RI C-AIM has focused on developing the nanostructured Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) sensors for the detection of water pollutants, specifically per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). The environmental water pollution by fluorinated compounds is an ongoing worldwide issue demanding for an improvement in existing methods of the environmental monitoring. We aim to design robust, sensitive, selective and reproducible SERS nanosensors allowing in-situ measurements of contaminants in aquatic environments (seawater and freshwater).

Our research encompasses several avenues of approach for the development of SERS sensors such as, the development of better fabrication strategies to obtain nanostructures onto solid platforms with different morphologies and numerous hotspots. Also, to be able to provide a specific qualitative and quantitative detection, we are designing an effective method that enables the pre-concentration of the analytes present in water media at the sensor surface.

I received my Ph.D. (Physics) in 2017 from the Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS) Pilani, India. My doctoral work was focused on thin films of carbon-based nanomaterials and their sensing applications. Later, I worked as a visiting scholar in the Department of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering at the University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS and studied the insertion potential of cell penetrating peptides using Langmuir monolayer approach as a model cell membrane.

Apart from a passionate researcher, I am an adoring mother of a child and staying far from family to pursue my research career. Things are more challenging during COVID-19 situation. I hope everything will fall into place soon.

Theadora Vessella, Chemical Engineering Major at URI
Project Title: Algae-nanoparticle Sensors for Detection of Contaminants in Natural Waters
Project advisor & location: Dr. Arijt Bose & Dr. Daniel Roxbury, University of Rhode Island

Hello, my name is Theadora, and I am from Smithfield, Rhode Island. At home I live on a farm with chickens, goats and alpacas! In my free time, I love to cook, read and play tennis and golf. My research this year is a collaboration with Dr. Bose and Dr. Roxbury using two different types of nanoparticles as a sensor within Ulva Lactuca, leafy algae.

My first goal of the project is to create different concentrations of nanoparticles and have the Ulva Lactuca absorb this via capillary action. The next step will be to complete IR imagining of cross-sections of the Ulva Lactuca to study the uptake of nanoparticles. Previously, I have worked with mammalian cells and nanoparticles, but using a plant subject is a new and interesting project for me. I look forward to working with algae and connecting with other departments outside of engineering!