Meet Our Students
Isabella Kotsol
Participated in MRE-C: 2022-2023
Hometown: Kauai, Hawaii
Major: Mechanical Engineering
What lab(s) or faculty member(s) are you working with?
Dr. Severa (UH) in the Boron Compounds lab & Dr. Lilo Pozzo (UW)
How or why did you become part of this research opportunity?
I am planning on starting a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at UH Mānoa in Fall 2022 and while I was looking for a future advisor I was introduced to the MRE-C program. After learning more about the type of research being conducted in the group, I was excited to learn more and became an undergraduate research assistant to get more involved and gain research experience prior to starting my Master’s degree next fall.
What is the focus of the research you're doing?
The focus of my research will be on the synthesis of metal borides to test for gas absorption properties. My primary tasks will involve the use of a tube furnace to conduct metal boride synthesis experiments. Along with that, I will be preparing samples for use in the tube furnace and other lab experiments. I will also work on the testing and characterization of these synthesized metals to determine their material properties.
When thinking about the work you're doing or will be doing, what are you most excited about?
One of the focuses of the metal boride research is to develop materials that can be used to store hydrogen for use in hydrogen fuel cells. As someone passionate about sustainability, this goal of the research was particularly exciting for me. As I have gone through college, I was hoping that I would be able to work on projects that align with my interests, and the MRE-C opportunity has more than fulfilled that goal. Additionally, I am excited to get lots of hands-on experience with our lab’s equipment and procedures. I haven’t ever worked in a research lab, so everything is new and learning has given me much more perspective on the processes of research.
What are your future visions/goals?
My current future goals are to begin a graduate program and work to excel in it. After graduation, I hope to find work in the field of sustainability and work on projects that benefit communities and the environment.
What would you say to someone who's interested in joining this program?
The MRE-C program has been a great way for me to start getting experience in research labs and has also allowed me to meet great students and faculty that will do doubt teach me more. I recommend anyone who is interested to reach out the to project to learn more and see how the project can fit their interests.