An Innovative Hierarchy Model

for
Integrating Research, Education,
and Peer Mentoring

Mentoring

LSU
Mentor

Research Education
 In HHMI and LA-STEM,
we provide a supportive,
motivating, diverse, learning
community for students which
promotes academic success
through a three-pronged
approach:
ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Mentorin Educati Resear

g on ch
Mentorin
gMentors
roles:
function in four primary

1. Teacher
imparting knowledge or skill to the mentee by
example or experience

1. Counselor
exchanging opinions and ideas with the
mentee to reach a decision or deliberate
plan of action

1. Intervener
influencing the mentee’s attitudes and
behaviors

1. Sponsor
assuming responsibility for assisting the
mentee in gaining greater academic
Education
What all students need to be
successful:
•Refined problem-solving skills
•Time management and organization
•Enhanced interdisciplinary learning
•Ability to make connections between
coursework and real-world experiences
•Metacognitive abilities (learning how you
learn best and monitoring your own learning)
•Writing skills (yes, even for STEM majors)
 Researc
h
Our Research students (mentors)
•receive extensive preparation for
research during their first semester in
program or before (summer bridge)
•work in a research lab by their second
semester in program
•have a research mentor to offer
guidance and support
•have the opportunity to participate in
summer research programs all over the
country
 Frozen Ionic Liquids:
A Breed of Nanoparticles
• nanoparticles which can mimic properties of
other nanoparticles
– Quantum dots
– Silica particles
– Magnetic particles
• nanoparticles with ______ properties
• nanoparticles with _______ and _______
properties
 Frozen Ionic Liquid Nano and Micro Particles

1. Melt-Emulsion-Quench approach. Yielding nanoparticles 45 nm to 3 μm in diameter.

Melting Emulsifying Quenching

(~70oC) (homogenizer) (Ice bath)

SEM image TEM image

Tesfai et al. Nano Lett. 2008, 8(3), 897-891 TEM image

2. Aerosol approach. Yielding uniform spherical particles 50 nm to 10 μm in diameter

SEM image TEM image

IL nanoparticles

dissolved
in MeOH

Near Infrared emission spectra

Ex @ 775 nm
 Important Questions
• Can we use the LSU hierarchy model to stimulate
nanomaterials education among undergraduates and high
school students?
• Can FILs be used as safe models of nanoparticles for
education materials?
• Can FILs play a role in the design of new models for solar
systems?
• Can ILs play an important role in photovoltaic systems?