High School and Undergraduate Students in the Nikolla Lab

A fun-filled summer research adventure with undergraduate students – Jaatani and Klaertje as they worked with Samiha and Kunal in understanding more about synthesis in the Nikolla lab. Jaatani synthesized metallic nanoparticles using the colloidal synthesis approach and evaluated the effect of various parameters like time, temperature, and additives on the size, composition, and yield of nanoparticles. Klaertje employed the reverse microemulsion technique to prepare mixed-metal oxides and addressed the importance of an optimal basicity and time for controlled catalyst morphology. They also presented their work through oral and poster presentations as a part of the research exchange program. We wish them all the very best for their future endeavors!


The Nikolla Lab had an exciting day with high school students as we showed them around our lab and highlighted some interesting processes carried out in the lab and equipments utilized. Kunal, Michael, and Don assisted Izzy (undergraduate student) throughout the synthesis of mixed metal oxides and in her analysis of X-Ray Diffraction patterns for her synthesized catalysts. Jessica (high school student) gained insight into activities carried out in a catalysis lab while assisting Samiha in synthesis and reactor setup. In the process, she learnt some basic topics in catalysis, surface science, and chemistry.


Research with K-12 students in the Nikolla Lab

Research with students in lab
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The Nikolla research group engages local high school students from the Metro Detroit Area with “hands-on” research in the lab throughout the year to inspire them to pursue careers in STEM.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, our mentoring continued through virtual platforms (e.g., Zoom meetings). 


The Nikolla group engages middle school students from the Detroit Area in STEM

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middle-schoolers in the lab with Prof. Nikolla
middle schoolers in lab
middleschooler in gold shirt in lab

The Nikolla research group, as part of WSU’s STEM day, hosted “Changing the Energy Landscape Through Catalyst Design” lab demonstrations at the WSU College of Engineering on March 10, 2020. The event involved approximately 60 middle school students from the Detroit area. Through experimental demonstrations and hands-on activities, the student participants became familiar with electrochemical energy conversion systems, photocatalysis, and acid-base chemistry. In these experiments, the students (1) measured solution pH through the use of a litmus paper, (2) powered a robot with a copper/magnesium wet cell battery made in-house, and (3) conducted photocatalytic degradation of a dye.


Prof. Nikolla organizes “Power Hour” and “Design in Women” workshops

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Dr. Nikolla organized “Power Hour” and “Design in Women” workshops at the Gordon Conference and the Midland Section of ACS and WCC, respectively, to develop strategies for improving the inclusion of women and minorities in the field of catalysis in both academia and industry. Over 100 people attended both events from academia and industry.


The Nikolla group hosts the GO-GIRLs

The Nikolla group hosted the Gaining Options Girls Investigate Real Life (GO-GIRL) program at the WSU College of Engineering. The event hosted approximately 60 girls from the Detroit area. The participants learned about energy systems and catalysis and also experienced powering a robot with a copper/magnesium wet cell battery made in-house.


The Nikolla group hosts the GO-GIRLs
(Gaining Options-Girls Investigate Real Life) in April 2016

Go-girls first picture in 2016
Go-girls second picture in 2016

The Nikolla group hosted the GO-GIRLs (Gaining Options-Girls Investigate Real Life) in the College of Engineering at WSU in April 2016. The event hosted approximately 50 girls from the Detroit area. The student participants learned about energy systems (fuel cells, batteries) and also catalysis.


The Nikolla group hosted the Gaining Options – Girls Investigate Real Life (GO-GIRL) program’s Keeping in Touch (KIT) Workshop “Material Girls Get Energetic!” on May 16th, 2015

Go-girls fourth picture in 2015

The Nikolla group hosted the Gaining Options – Girls Investigate Real Life (GO-GIRL) program’s Keeping in Touch (KIT) Workshop “Material Girls Get Energetic!” on May 16th, 2015. The event had middle school girls from the Detroit area. The GO-GIRLs Program’s mission is to increase the competence and confidence of middle-school girls in mathematics, technology, scientific thinking, and communication by engaging them in experiences that promote interest in and awareness of careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). (Click here to read the article and click here to visit the GO-GIRLs website.)


The Nikolla group gives an “Ask the Expert” seminar at the Michigan Science Center

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michigan science center
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The Nikolla group gave an “Ask the Expert” seminar at the Michigan Science Center. The event was attended by elementary and middle school kids and their parents from the Metro Detroit area. In addition to the presentation on the energy system and the environment, the event also involved “hands-on” experiments with the kids, where they constructed cars that operated on batteries and solar panels. (Click here for more information.)


The Nikolla group hosts a laboratory tour for the GO-GIRLs (Gaining Options-Girls Investigate Real Life) Go Material Girls Event

tour for the Go-girls

The Nikolla group hosted a laboratory tour for the GO-GIRL Keeping in Touch event part of the GO-GIRLs (Gaining Options-Girls Investigate Real Life) Go Material Girls in the College of Engineering at WSU in May 2012. The event had approximately 40 middle school girls from the Detroit area. The GO-GIRLs Program’s mission is to increase the competence and confidence of middle-school girls in mathematics, technology, scientific thinking, and communication by engaging them in experiences that promote interest in and awareness of careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). (Click here to read the article and click here to visit the GO-GIRLs website.)


Partnerships with local high schools

The Nikolla group has begun an independent collaboration with local high schools – Pontiac High School, University Liggett School, and Troy High School – in order to engage K-12 students in the field of science and engineering. Prof. Eranda Nikolla visited Pontiac High School and gave a presentation to 12th graders regarding the exciting world of science and engineering. She has also visited the University Liggett School where she met with science teachers and students. During this time, the Nikolla Research Group had a high school student, Kevin Allen, conducting an internship.

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