Amelia Sweet is a dedicated graduate student currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry at the University of Iowa. Her academic and professional journey reflects a deep commitment to understanding and applying computational techniques in chemistry. Amelia’s research focuses on the use of Density Functional Theory (DFT) to study molecular interactions, and she has a background in teaching and developing advanced materials for high-energy applications.
Author Metrics
Google Scholar Profile
Amelia has authored several significant publications in the field of computational chemistry. Her work, particularly the study of nitrobenzene adsorption on Ag(111) surfaces, has been recognized in peer-reviewed journals and presented at major conferences. The metrics reflecting the impact of her work, such as citation counts and journal impact factors, highlight her contributions to the field.
Education
Amelia Sweet is currently working towards a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Iowa, where she is co-advised by Dr. Sara Mason and Dr. Scott Shaw. She holds a B.A. in Chemistry from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, where her thesis focused on a computational and spectroscopic study of tungsten-based polyoxometalates. Her educational background has provided a strong foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of chemistry.
Research Focus
Amelia’s research focuses on computational chemistry, particularly using Density Functional Theory (DFT) to study molecular adsorption and interactions. Her work involves conducting DFT calculations with software like VASP to understand how organic molecules interact with metal surfaces, which has implications for materials science and catalysis.
Professional Journey
Amelia’s professional journey includes roles as a Research Assistant and Teaching Assistant. She has gained experience in conducting advanced research in computational chemistry and has taught introductory chemistry and analytical measurements laboratories. Her role as an REU participant at Coe College further expanded her expertise, where she worked on developing scintillating glass for high-energy applications.
Honors & Awards
Amelia has been recognized for her academic achievements, including receiving the American Chemical Society Award during her undergraduate studies. This award reflects her exceptional performance and potential in the field of chemistry.
Publications Noted & Contributions
Amelia has contributed to several notable publications. Her paper on the interaction of nitrobenzene with the Ag(111) surface, published in Surface Science, showcases her research skills and contributions to understanding molecular interactions at the atomic level. Her presentations at various American Chemical Society meetings and Schrödinger Educator’s Week highlight her active engagement in the scientific community and her commitment to sharing knowledge and advancements in computational chemistry.
Sweet, A. K.; Mason, S. E. “Insights into the Interaction of Nitrobenzene and the Ag(111) Surface: a DFT Study”. Surface Science, 2024, 122578. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.susc.2024.122578.
Sweet, A.; Duke, R. “Teaching collaborative science: merging computational and physical chemistry alongside data science in the classroom”. Virtual oral presentation at Schrödinger Educator’s Week, June 2023.
Sweet, A.; Mason, S. E. “Adsorption of Nitrobenzene to the Ag (111) Surface”. Oral presentation at the Midwest Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society, October 2022.
Sweet, A.; Mason, S. E. “Adsorption of Nitrobenzene to the Ag (111) Surface”. Oral presentation at the National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, August 2022.
Sweet, A.; Mason, S. E. “Adsorption of Nitrobenzene to the Ag (111) Surface: A DFT Study”. Poster presentation at the National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, March 2022.
Research Timeline
Amelia’s research timeline includes her current Ph.D. studies, ongoing since August 2020, and previous research experiences, such as her REU at Coe College and her research assistantship at the University of Iowa. Her timeline reflects a progressive development of expertise in computational chemistry, with significant contributions and advancements made throughout her academic career.
Collaborations and Projects
Amelia has collaborated with notable researchers such as Dr. Sara Mason and Dr. Scott Shaw on her Ph.D. research. Her projects include studying molecular adsorption using DFT and developing advanced materials for high-energy applications. Her collaborations extend to presenting joint research findings at major conferences and contributing to academic publications, demonstrating her ability to work effectively within a research team.
Strengths of the Best Researcher Award
High-Impact Research: Amelia’s work on the adsorption of nitrobenzene to the Ag(111) surface has been published in a prominent journal, Surface Science, and has been well-received in the scientific community. This recognition indicates that her research addresses important questions in computational surface science.
Strong Academic Foundation: Her education in both undergraduate and graduate studies provides a robust background in chemistry. The combination of theoretical and practical experience positions her as a knowledgeable researcher capable of conducting significant studies in computational chemistry.
Active Engagement in Scientific Community: Amelia’s involvement in presenting her research at national and regional conferences, as well as her participation in virtual presentations at prominent events like Schrödinger Educator’s Week, demonstrates her commitment to sharing knowledge and engaging with the scientific community.
Collaboration with Esteemed Researchers: Working with Dr. Sara Mason and Dr. Scott Shaw on her Ph.D. research has provided her with valuable mentorship and collaborative opportunities. These partnerships enhance the quality and impact of her research, reflecting positively on her achievements.
Recognition Through Awards: Receiving the American Chemical Society Award during her undergraduate studies highlights Amelia’s exceptional performance and potential in the field. Such accolades are indicative of her promising research career and contribute to her recognition as a leading researcher.
Areas for Improvement
Diversification of Research Topics: While Amelia’s focus on nitrobenzene and Ag(111) surfaces is significant, expanding her research to include other molecules or surfaces could provide a broader impact and showcase versatility in computational chemistry.
Increase in Publication Volume: Although her publications are noteworthy, increasing the number of peer-reviewed articles could further enhance her visibility and influence in the field. More frequent publications could also reflect a higher research productivity.
Broaden Research Scope: Exploring additional computational methods or interdisciplinary approaches could enhance her research impact. Incorporating other computational techniques or collaborating with researchers in related fields might provide new insights and applications.
Grant Acquisition: Securing research grants and funding is crucial for expanding the scope of research. Seeking grants for specific projects or collaborative research could provide additional resources and support for her work.
Enhancing Public Engagement: Increasing efforts to engage with broader audiences through public science communication, media interactions, or educational outreach could enhance the societal impact of her research and raise her profile beyond academic circles.
Conclusion
Amelia Sweet’s achievements in computational chemistry and her recognition through the “Best Researcher Award” reflect her dedication and contributions to the field. Her strong academic background, impactful research, and active participation in the scientific community highlight her potential as a leading researcher. To further enhance her career, expanding her research topics, increasing publication volume, and seeking additional funding and public engagement opportunities will be beneficial. These steps can help Amelia build on her current successes and continue making significant contributions to computational chemistry.