Learning at Michigan Tech has been a transformative journey that began in Fall 2021 and marked my transition from clean-energy and water-sustainability research into the world of nanoscale sensor technology. This shift opened my eyes to the power of nanomaterials and surface engineering, sparking a deep fascination with how subtle changes at the atomic scale can influence macroscopic behavior and shape the world around us.
My dissertation investigates metal oxide gas sensors for ultralow-concentration detection—technology that can advance breath-based disease diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and early-warning systems for public and industrial safety. I am fascinated by how this field turns scientific wonder into practical breakthroughs, pushing sensing limits not by discovering new elements, but by creatively engineering the materials we already know. Along this journey, I have gained hands-on experience in nanoscale materials synthesis, microfabrication, and surface-engineering methods, deepening my expertise and passion for materials-driven innovations.
Beyond the laboratory, my time in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has been incredibly meaningful. I enjoyed the quiet beauty of the region—its forests, water bodies, and changing seasons—which has provided both inspiration and balance during my research journey. The university’s strong support network, including access to advanced instrumentation and partnerships with other institutions when specialized tools were needed, has played a key role in my academic and professional growth.
I am honored and grateful to the Graduate School and the Graduate Dean Awards Advisory Panel for this recognition and the support to be provided through the Doctoral Finishing Fellowship. I am deeply thankful to Dr. Liu for the mentorship throughout this transformative journey, and to my committee members and department colleagues for their guidance, support, and encouragement. This fellowship is part of the collective support I have received at Michigan Tech, and I am sincerely appreciative.