https://www.matscigirl.com/art daily 0.75 2022-02-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/1607734533679-SWH9U74G3M76NZCYZ46D/IMG_20190422_220227.jpg Art Ink on paper https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/d517f589-ae47-4494-a9d6-fc0fdfec0e16/1000009740.jpg Art https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/1607734525057-U9T66H7FQ4FSXD6ZSL9B/IMG_20200409_214103.jpg Art Ink on paper https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/b8805bef-99d9-4850-b89f-ead1b832655d/1000009738.jpg Art https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/1607734533169-XPI4YGG97PLJQVD3G9YV/IMG_20200909_172742259.jpg Art Ink and acrylic on paper https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/3e423a76-81fb-4d47-a523-33aa0380377a/1000009739.jpg Art https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/1607734533679-SWH9U74G3M76NZCYZ46D/IMG_20190422_220227.jpg Art Ink on paper https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/6ccf1cdb-330a-465a-9a98-834aa4847e75/IMG_20211224_171330957.jpg Art Custom Nike Blazer Mid '77, butterflies (Acrylic, freehand) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/1607734525057-U9T66H7FQ4FSXD6ZSL9B/IMG_20200409_214103.jpg Art Ink on paper https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/c281f87d-c8cc-40a3-a707-e911a0f4dcc1/IMG_20211224_171453279.jpg Art Custom Nike Blazer Mid '77, butterflies (Acrylic, freehand) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/1607734533169-XPI4YGG97PLJQVD3G9YV/IMG_20200909_172742259.jpg Art Ink and acrylic on paper https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/377b9eeb-95f7-4359-b2ea-3a5dc544dbcb/IMG_20211225_131017146.jpg Art Custom Nike Blazer Mid '77, butterflies (Acrylic, freehand) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/6ccf1cdb-330a-465a-9a98-834aa4847e75/IMG_20211224_171330957.jpg Art Custom Nike Blazer Mid '77, butterflies (Acrylic, freehand) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/1607734536135-973C3SQMFSRVG5VTX7XT/IMG_20201104_101624948.jpg Art Ink on paper https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/c281f87d-c8cc-40a3-a707-e911a0f4dcc1/IMG_20211224_171453279.jpg Art Custom Nike Blazer Mid '77, butterflies (Acrylic, freehand) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/1609912383163-X118TNJEYF9V1JV0FVCL/IMG_20201212_175140_160_2.jpg Art Ink on paper https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/377b9eeb-95f7-4359-b2ea-3a5dc544dbcb/IMG_20211225_131017146.jpg Art Custom Nike Blazer Mid '77, butterflies (Acrylic, freehand) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/1607736378442-EBQ3JMLVL7GDVM672DWD/IMG_20201211_175753378.jpg Art "Fancy" Ink on post-it (20 min doodle) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/1607734536135-973C3SQMFSRVG5VTX7XT/IMG_20201104_101624948.jpg Art Ink on paper https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/1607736379068-JTBXXX8IKB33TZMTU1HE/IMG_20201211_175657423.jpg Art "Teeth" Ink on post-it (20 min doodle) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/1609912383163-X118TNJEYF9V1JV0FVCL/IMG_20201212_175140_160_2.jpg Art Ink on paper https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/1607736378903-W3XVLZ502QERZ9J6F92R/IMG_20201211_175723992_MP.jpg Art "Throw" Ink on post-it (20 min doodle) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/1607736378442-EBQ3JMLVL7GDVM672DWD/IMG_20201211_175753378.jpg Art "Fancy" Ink on post-it (20 min doodle) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/1607736377777-1T0FR0VI1LCNV29IYE2S/IMG_20201211_175729689_HDR.jpg Art "Skull" Ink on post-it (20 min doodle) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/1607736379068-JTBXXX8IKB33TZMTU1HE/IMG_20201211_175657423.jpg Art "Teeth" Ink on post-it (20 min doodle) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/1607736378670-4D9KGNVKMVHSHDNMS8N5/IMG_20201211_175749717.jpg Art "Chef" Ink on post-it (20 min doodle) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/1607736378903-W3XVLZ502QERZ9J6F92R/IMG_20201211_175723992_MP.jpg Art "Throw" Ink on post-it (20 min doodle) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/1617662146954-O7D8ASMKKBCFCHN4TB6X/IMG_20210210_223956872.jpg Art "Teefs" Ink on paper https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/1607736377777-1T0FR0VI1LCNV29IYE2S/IMG_20201211_175729689_HDR.jpg Art "Skull" Ink on post-it (20 min doodle) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/1622139661844-AZ2KDNA4QWVSXEDOJRAF/IMG_20210407_220810071.jpg Art Scissors, ink on paper https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/1607736378670-4D9KGNVKMVHSHDNMS8N5/IMG_20201211_175749717.jpg Art "Chef" Ink on post-it (20 min doodle) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/1645556337086-L7XRRMITB2WWWNK09B61/IMG_20220126_215617_01.jpg Art "Bust" ink on paper https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/1617662146954-O7D8ASMKKBCFCHN4TB6X/IMG_20210210_223956872.jpg Art "Teefs" Ink on paper https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/1622139661844-AZ2KDNA4QWVSXEDOJRAF/IMG_20210407_220810071.jpg Art Scissors, ink on paper https://www.matscigirl.com/home daily 1.0 2024-06-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/1622139398120-E99YWG0C8I2UHOC5FEB4/IMG_20210330_172237452_BURST000_COVER_TOP.jpg Home - Allison Lim Innovation Analyst, RTI International PhD, Materials Science, Colorado School of Mines BS, Materials Chemistry, Harvey Mudd College https://www.matscigirl.com/clouds daily 0.75 2021-04-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/1607733748042-WC30BKAPB86TF6E8WCSB/IMG_20180316_143641.jpg Clouds Cirrus clouds (maybe?) somewhere in Utah. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/1607733750037-T0I2EYKMQ2J1EZU3ZCG8/IMG_20180317_161740.jpg Clouds https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/1607733739555-AHA8JZ8OG96MMA8FFPW3/IMG_20200709_203345.jpg Clouds Some cumulus congestus above South Table Mesa in Golden, Colorado https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/1607733749596-CS9XIINJHB9LHAT8V10C/IMG_20200719_064829.jpg Clouds Altocumulus in the sky on the hike to Mt. Belford and Mt. Oxford in Colorado. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/1607733765346-4DQ5IRHARI2LUXVK5LW9/IMG_20170627_074558.jpg Clouds Ground fog and some low level cumulus and stratus (Tongass National Forest, Alaska) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/1607733902871-DEBQ6TJQVU3E4YPGWZWE/IMG_20201110_094933292.jpg Clouds Some cirrocumulus? above a few lonely stratocumulus getting blown away (Golden, Colorado) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/1609990219200-ZSCFA6W6SHLJB6OFTA23/IMG_20210106_135806764.jpg Clouds Are these some cirrus clouds scuttling above Lake Tahoe? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/1610829264804-6BB5S00JVI8NQ43LZHTN/IMG_20210111_125528266_HDR.jpg Clouds Alotta altocumulus above South Lake Tahoe https://www.matscigirl.com/publications daily 0.75 2021-04-04 https://www.matscigirl.com/phd daily 0.75 2021-12-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/1607729584098-UN0F6KQHQIJRAQE2FON9/xlink.png PhD - Improving Material Properties of Plastic Scintillators Problem: Plastic scintillators for can discriminate between neutrons and gamma rays. However, the high concentration of small molecule dopant required leads to undesirable plasticizing effects such as softening, low glass transition temperature, and dopant aggregation and leaching. Hypothesis: Cross-linking and polymerizable dopants may mitigate plasticizing effects by increasing the rigidity and covalently bonding the dopant with the polymer matrix. Summary of Results: Identified a commercial and synthesized cross-linker structure-property relationships developed in collaboration with physicists and nuclear engineers Fabricated cross-linked samples with 10x higher Shore-D hardness and equivalent radiation detection capabilities. Synthesized novel polymerizable dopants and co-polymerized with vinyl toluene to eliminate dopant leaching. Two synthetic dopants retained radiation detection capabilities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/1607730085130-9ZA57DMZZLS71H4FNO8U/polysiloxanes.png PhD - Polysiloxane Scintillators Capable of Pulse Shape Discrimination Problem: Traditional plastic scintillators capable of pulse shape discrimination (PSD) are based on thermoplastics. This limits their potential applications. Hypothesis: Polysiloxanes with high phenyl content may provide an elastomeric matrix for PSD capable plastic scintillators, meeting requirements for flexible applications. Summary of Results: A high phenyl content polysiloxane matrix was identified from Wacker. A commercial and synthesized dopant were loaded up to 5 wt% . Even at low dopant loadings, polysiloxane scintillators performed as well or better than traditional analogs. This is the first time polysiloxanes, or any other polymer, has been shown to have comparable PSD to polystyrene or poly(vinyl toluene). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/1607730769030-OZXYS6ZIKXPT2Z2VMWMQ/bismuth-vert.jpg PhD - Bismuth Dopants for Gamma Ray Spectroscopy in Plastic Scintillators Problem: Plastic scintillators can detect neutrons or gamma rays and even distinguish the two via PSD. However, they are not able to determine source, or radioactive isotope, that emitted the radiation. Gamma ray spectroscopy would allow plastic scintillators to identify the source of radiation - for example, whether the gamma ray came from potassium (bananas) or uranium (nuclear materials...). Hypothesis: Incorporating high Z elements into plastic scintillators will lead to the photoelectric effect, allowing plastic scintillators to be used for gamma ray spectroscopy. Bismuth dopants are a good candidate due to bismuth's low toxicity, compared to tin and lead, and wide range of organobismuth molecules available. Summary of Results: Three types of bismuth dopants, triarylbismuth, trialkoxybismuth, and bismuth oxide dopants were synthesized. Triarylbismuth dopants were soluble but not stable under polymerization conditions. Trialkoxybismuth dopants were stable under polymerization conditions but insoluble in vinyl toluene. Bismuth oxide nanoparticles did not disperse in vinyl toluene, but could be functionalized to improve dispersion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/1607730850861-3S008EQDIFT2RV5BRRVZ/image-asset.png PhD - Photopolymerized Plastic Scintillators Capable of Pulse Shape Discrimination Problem: Plastic scintillators are fabricated via a thermally initiated radical bulk polymerization. This process is air sensitive and time and energy intensive (5-7 days in academic settings). Hypothesis: Adapting technology and chemistry from the dental industry may allow for a quicker photopolymerization of plastic scintillators. Summary of Results: A two part photo-initiating system used in the dental industry combined with a dimethacrylate cross-linker allowed from bulk polymerization of 20g plastic scintillators. Photo-polymerized plastic scintillators were fabricated by a 2 hour light exposure followed by a 70C post-cure, in air. Despite the shorter fabrication time in air (5 fold reduction), photo-polymerized plastic scintillators performed comparable to thermally initiated analogs. https://www.matscigirl.com/about daily 0.75 2024-06-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/1609823385387-IAEZZYGPI4MWPC7VT55N/allisonlim About - A little about me… To paraphrase Madonna, “I am a material [science] girl, living in a material world” … More accurately, I am a material scientist, or a soft materials chemist if we’re getting really technical. I am interested in using organic chemistry to solve interdisciplinary problems for humanity. Originally from the Bay Area, CA, I graduated from Harvey Mudd College ('16, Materials Chemistry) and completed my PhD under Dr. Alan Sellinger at Colorado School of Mines ('20, Materials Science). My graduate work focused on applying organic chemistry and polymer science techniques to plastic scintillators for detection of special nuclear materials (...things like uranium and plutonium). I thrive on interdisciplinary projects with creative and collaborative solutions and seek out opportunities to use organic and polymer chemistry to tailor materials for specific applications. Recently, I’ve stepped out of the lab and am now an Innovation Analyst at RTI International. I work with a diverse set of international clients from large non-profits, government agencies, and major brands. I leverage my broad background in polymers, materials science, and engineering to synthesize complex and emerging trends into actionable recommendations. I prioritize working on projects where the clients genuinely seek to address sustainability or circular economy issues and improve lives. Outside of work, you’ll probably find me doing chemistry in the kitchen, dabbling in various art hobbies, or running slowly up and down mountains! https://www.matscigirl.com/postdoc daily 0.75 2021-12-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/c4c390c9-54fa-4a02-be75-2ffe011b5602/strain+sensor.jpg Postdoc - How can we detect mindfulness state? Flexible strain gauges for respiration rate detection. More info coming soon! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3f0861d3e0c23c97df99b/e7d144e3-3c8f-4402-92c1-c9d15a911cef/electrotactile.jpg Postdoc - How can we respond to changes in mdfulness state? Thermal or electrotactile effects for haptic assisted meditation. More info (conductive polymers, surface initiated ATRP!) coming soon!