A snapshot moment of me showcasing my research
Author: Kaylee Drake | Major: Chemical Engineering | Semester: Fall 2025
Hello! My name is Kaylee Drake, and I am a senior chemical engineering student in the Honors College. My research focuses on modifying the surface of lab-synthesized silica nanoparticles and incorporating them into a mucous membrane to understand nanoparticle-mucin interactions. My goal is to explore how functionalizing these nanoparticles can improve topical glaucoma treatments by acting as a drug delivery system to enhance bioavailability and increase residence time in the eye.
This November, I had the opportunity to attend the 2025 AIChE Annual Student Conference in Boston, Massachusetts. This was my first research conference and first opportunity to present my work in a professional environment. I presented my poster, Surface-Functionalized Silica Nanoparticles to Enhance Mucoadhesion and Drug Delivery for Glaucoma Treatment, and the experience was insightful to the world of research.
Developing a poster prepared me to deliver a presentation that provided clarity and intentionality to concisely convey the synthesis, modification, and characterization methods of my complex reaction. The poster was designed to engage the viewer and was presented to judges that encouraged me to think critically on my feet. I was able to not only articulate the background of my research, but why it matters. One judge provided me with a characterization method to measure certain surface properties that I had never heard of. The judge shared with me techniques from his own past research, which gave me new ideas to address a challenge I was struggling with. This interaction left me excited to test out a new method and see if the characterization would yield different results.
Beyond presenting, the conference was a valuable opportunity to meet other chemical engineering students and faculty from across the country. Whether I was in line waiting to visit with a graduate school or walking between sessions, I had meaningful conversations about research, coursework, and explored potential graduate programs. I enjoyed hearing about the diverse experiences of students from other universities which gave me insight into what a graduate school at their university may look like. The graduate college fair was incredibly helpful, having visited with recruiters to better understand the different graduate programs, academics, research culture, funding, and student life.
After returning from the conference, I am invigorated and excited to dive back into my research progress. My next steps will involve completing the functionalization of silica nanoparticles using aminolysis to graft hydrophobic chains on their surface. Once modification is successful, I will integrate both the modified and bare nanoparticles into mucin samples to analyze their rheological behavior for potential application in glaucoma treatments. Additionally, the data collected will support my Honors thesis defense this spring.
Presenting at the 2025 AIChE Annual Student Conference was an invaluable milestone in my research career that strengthened my professional communication and network. For future attendees, I encourage you to take advantage of every networking opportunity. You never know who you may meet that can help you advance your career. Visiting with peers, judges, and recruiters provided insight that only one-on-one interaction can provide. This conference was a significant step in my research career, and I am grateful for the Honors College for helping fund me.