Natalie R
- Research Program Mentor
PhD at Duke University
Expertise
Electrical engineering - applied physics. Specifically electromagnetic wave-matter interactions and nanotechnology
Bio
I am a R&D engineer currently developing novel devices. I am an expert in nanofabrication and photonic devices. I have a general interest in electromagnetic wave (light) matter interactions. I create small devices that can manipulate the light in new and exciting ways. I begin by first designing a geometric structure and testing it with simulations. Once I find an ideal structure, I make it in a clean room nanofabrication facility. Lastly, I test the device in an optical setup and study the response. The applications of these devices include sensors, detectors, absorbers, and imagers. I additionally have research experience in the optoelectronic design of a novel low-cost medical device. When I'm not working in the lab, I spend all of my time outdoors! I have run a number of half marathons and recently signed up to race in my first triathlon. I am a certified group fitness instructor and spend my free type studying exercise physiology and nutrition.Project ideas
From the lab to the field: nanophotonic biosensors
This project intersects two interesting fields of work: biological sensors and physics. The student will research and learn about the latest nanophotonic biosensor technology: learning how they operate, identify the platform's strength and weaknesses, and assessing the technology's readiness level to be deployed in the medical field. The student will learn how to read and understand academic research papers, think critically about the work in the paper, and develop the skills needed to form a opinion on the work. The project could culminate in an essay, or if the student is inspired, a proposal prototype that could address the limitations of the latest nanophotonic biosensor devices.