Luke Tufaro

ABOUT THE RESEARCHER:

1.     Who are you doing research with this summer and what kind of research project are you doing?

I am a member of Dr. Dorfner’s research group and have been working on characterizing three cobalt complexes that have potential green energy applications. 

2. What do you find fascinating in the research you’re doing?

I feel like a pioneer as I believe my research is unique. To my knowledge no other group is focusing on similar cobalt complexes.

3. What skills are you learning through the USURF experience?

The USURF experience has given me a taste of what experiences I may encounter in graduate school and beyond.  I have been able to take the skills and knowledge from my previous courses and apply them to this practical lab experience. As a lab researcher, I am able to analyze and explore different approaches without rigid instructions. I have freedom to wield different experimentation methods and designs.

4. What are the challenges you’re encountering in your research?

One of the major challenges I have is that a few compounds are oily in nature making them significantly harder to handle and purify than compounds that are solids or liquids. Another issue is the use of compounds that are not air stable. These particular substances need to be stored in an inert atmosphere such as the nitrogen environment of a glovebox or a secure nitrogen or argon line in a hood.

5. How is your USURF experience impacting the way you view your field?

It’s challenging, thought-provoking, and intriguing, yet very rewarding. 

6. Tell us something interesting about yourself.

I lived on a fifty foot catamaran for a week in the Bahamas as part of a scouting trip to the Florida Sea Base High Adventure Camp. There was plenty of swimming, snorkeling, sailing, and fishing. I even managed to find and cook conch. It was very rubbery, I cannot recommend it!