Zane Parkerson, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Researcher, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Jennings Research Group
During my undergraduate studies, I had the opportunity to join a research lab focused on membrane-based water separation. While I enjoyed research in membrane science and separations, I wanted to broaden my experience to include polymer film synthesis and applied polymer materials. Upon starting graduate school, I quickly joined the lab of Dr. Kane Jennings, where I combined my previous experience in membrane separations with Dr. Jennings鈥� expertise in polymer synthesis and surface engineering. My research focused on combining spin coating with ring-opening metathesis polymerization, termed scROMP, to create a method that integrates polymer synthesis and polymer film deposition into a single rapid process.
During my graduate studies, VINSE provided access to a wide range of equipment critical to characterizing the polymer films I synthesized via scROMP. These tools helped me better understand the structure and physical properties of the materials I was synthesizing. Outside the laboratory, the VINSE community introduced me to researchers across 91吃瓜网, and I particularly enjoyed events such as the VINSE Community Picnic and their annual VINSE NanoDay!.
The scROMP platform is incredibly versatile and can generate homo- and copolymer films from numerous cyclic olefin monomers for use as polymer coatings and membranes. As I transition from graduate studies to industry, I leave behind a robust, versatile platform that can be used for numerous polymer film applications. Ultimately, I hope scROMP can serve as a tool for polymeric material screening, enabling future researchers to rapidly explore and develop polymer films that address critical areas in materials science.
Outside of the lab, I enjoy spending time with friends, whether playing kickball through an intramural sports league or attending Nashville Sounds baseball games. I also enjoy taking in Nashville鈥檚 diverse live music and concert offerings, as well as its vibrant culinary scene.