Nanocrystal research teaches technical skills, problem solving

"The topics didn't just challenge me, they also interested me," Skylar Paderick said. "I wanted to know why it didn't make sense to me all the time."

Frequently stopping by his professor's office with questions led to participation in a research project. Working with Dr. Steven Hughes, he developed a synthetic method and procedure to manufacture nanocrystals that can be used to control the optical properties. "Research has taught me skills, techniques, problem solving, self reliance, and responsibility," Paderick said, "which is a permanent enhancement to my ability to learn."