Sara A
- Research Program Mentor
PhD candidate at California Institute of Technology (CalTech)
Expertise
Astrophysics, solar cells, semiconductor devices, optoelectrical devices
Bio
I am a PhD student in Materials Science at Caltech who graduated with a bachelor's degree in physics from Princeton University. For several years, I have focused on solar cell research into different cutting-edge materials to make solar cells cheaper and more suitable for specialized applications. Before that, I aspired to be an astrophysicist, and throughout my school years and the first half of college, I gained extensive knowledge and experience in astrophysics coursework and research. Currently, I work on nanowires made from a semiconductor called indium phosphide (InP) and aim to investigate their material properties for use in applications ranging from solar cells in space to artificial photosynthesis. I look forward to mentoring students because research experience can be formative for STEM careers and it embodies the best parts of learning! I have benefitted greatly from my own mentors from high school onwards, so I want to pay it forward. Outside of my work and studies, I greatly enjoy music and dancing. I play the piano and violin and sing. Since the pandemic, I have delved more into solo singing and music production, and started a YouTube channel to build an audience for my musical endeavors. I also enjoy ballet, hip-hop dance, and ballroom dancing, as well as figure skating. During time off, I love to travel, and enjoy adventurous activities like rappelling, whitewater rafting, and amusement parks as well as exploring different cities.Project ideas
Galactic Structure Evolution Over Time
Astronomers are always trying to learn more about how galaxies form, especially since most of the mass in many galaxies is in the form of dark matter. How does the total mass vary over time? How does the mass of a galaxy's central black hole vary over time? Are there differences in these trends? Since we cannot evolve a galaxy ourselves (except in simulations), we use redshift as a rough proxy for time, and could use composition data, if it was available, as a further refinement of galactic age.
Optimizing Radiation Hardness of Solar Cells for Space
Solar cells used in space not only need to be highly efficient but also light and radiation-resistant, because in space there are streams of high-energy particles that, without the protection of our atmosphere can damage electronic devices. Nanowire solar cells provide some inherent protection from this radiation because of its geometry, which makes the cells last longer, but optimizing the geometry for both radiation resistance and high efficiency is a challenge scientists are still working on.
Determining the geographic suitability of solar panel installation in the United States
This project discusses how solar panels work in terms most non-scientists would be able to understand. It then talks about some of the factors to consider when determining where to place solar panels. It expands on calculations used in the field and discusses the development of new materials to make solar panels more efficient. It finishes by comparing solar panels installed in Washington and California. A deeper dive into data and visualizations provides people with an understanding of why they should switch to solar energy by discussing the cost benefits.
Withstanding a Perpendicular Launch from Mars
In this research project, the student calculates whether the space shuttles that we manufacture today would be able to withstand a perpendicular launch from Mars. In this research, the student considers the various forces being applied to the space shuttle and calculates the total force exerted on the spacecraft at the end of each launch stage.
