Madeline Wilburn in the research lab, working on her honors thesis project for the electrochemical detection of fluorophores. She can be seen holding two solutions of fluorophores she made in the lab for electrochemical analyses.
Author: Madeline Wilburn | Major: Chemistry, Biochemistry | Spring 2024
Hello Honors College! My name is Madeline Wilburn. I have just completed my junior year and am majoring in chemistry with a concentration in biochemistry in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. I am a member of Dr. Ingrid Fritsch’s research group in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. I have spent this past semester continuing my research toward my honors thesis. In my lab I am working toward the development of an electrochemical detection method for fluorophores.
In the spring of 2023, I had just transferred to the University of Arkansas and had the pleasure of taking Analytical Chemistry with Dr. Ingrid Fritsch. At my previous institution I worked in a research laboratory, and I knew that I wanted to find a research group here to continue my passion for science and to belong to a small community of like-minded people as I made the transition onto Arkansas’ campus. I had looked into Dr. Fritsch’s research throughout the semester and felt that it would be a great fit for me. Thanks to her guidance and mentorship as well as the ongoing help from her graduate students and undergraduate that is exactly what I found… a small community on a big campus.
My project is to develop an electrochemical detection method for small molecules that fluoresce and are used to tag biological compounds. These fluorophores can be detected by electrochemical techniques because of their redox properties. Electrochemical analysis has several advantages including its portable, expeditious, and cost-effective instrumentation, which allows for a handheld analysis method for the detection of fluorophore-tagged compounds. Furthermore, the electrochemical detection of tagged biological compounds has important applications in environmental sample measurements, drug studies, and clinical diagnostics. My work is centered around using poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT)-modified gold electrodes for the fluorophore detection. This semester I worked with and electrochemically detected the fluorophore rhodamine B using cyclic voltammetry. My future work will be centered around further rhodamine B analysis as well as an expansion of the method to other fluorophores with similar redox capabilities. One of my greatest challenges I had to overcome this semester was juggling my difficult course load with research. I am still working on finding the perfect balance, however I can confidently say I am leaving my junior year with better time management skills and an excited attitude to continue my research.
Working in the lab of Dr. Fritsch has also enabled me to discover a passion for teaching. I have had the privilege to accompany her to local Haas Hall Academy for their afterschool science club and this soon became the highlight of my week. Sharing a love for science with junior high and high school students has been extremely rewarding for me. I have mentored the students on proper scientific methodology and techniques as well as formed relationships with students. I find great joy in giving scientific and life advice to these young, aspiring scientists.
Not only does my lab push me to get involved in the community but it also pushes me to showcase my work on campus. This spring, I competed in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition where I really overcame some fears of mine and gained newfound confidence. I worked to create and present a poster that was a direct representation of all my research. It was rewarding to see my research highlighted for the University of Arkansas’ community to witness.
As I go into the summer before my senior year, I am excited to continue to expand my research further. I hope to leave an impact in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department and to continue to form relationships that will shape my future.