Amy Miller, undergraduate student in engineering science and mechanics, participated in a 10-week DREAM (Drexel Research Experience in Advanced Materials) REU program, funded through the National Science Foundation (NSF). Amy worked in a soft matter research lab under Principle Investigator Dr. Christopher Li.

Amy’s research, "Characterization of P3HT/CNT composites", was centered on crystallizing the polymer P3HT onto carbon nanotubes and to examine the properties of this composite for possible future use an organic photovoltaic. Some of the processes and characterizations she used were differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, SEM, TEM, AFM, annealing, UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, 4-point probe testing, sonication, and spin-coating. Amy was able to work on the project independently with the assistance of two doctoral student mentors who helped her understand theory and equipment use. The experience was such a success, she is now thinking of minoring in nanotechnology and going to graduate school for her doctorate.