Student Stories Paul Barron
Paul Barron, a North Dakota State University undergraduate, was very impressed by the attention he received during his application process. Now a fourth year PhD inorganic chemistry student, Paul believes UNL is the perfect fit.
“The chemistry department here at UNL is just the right size – there are enough professors that there is a great diversity in research, and always many different projects being worked on. Yet the department is not gigantic, meaning that professors are always readily available to give advice or answer questions. The faculty here are great – everyone is friendly and enthusiastic. It’s a very positive environment.”
Paul has found the research opportunities he has been given at UNL to be fascinating and enjoyable.
“In my research group I am working on designing and synthesizing materials called Metal-Organic Frameworks for applications in hydrogen storage and catalysis. We are trying to become experts on how molecules self-assemble into extended structures. With what we have learned in the past three years, we can now predict and even implement ways to control the framework self-assembly. As a kid who enjoyed Tinkertoys and LEGOs, this is a dream job.”
Paul has found the culture in Lincoln and at UNL to be very enjoyable. Outside of chemistry, Paul enjoys fishing, reading, and cycling.
“Lincoln has a good cost of living but what really shocked me is the passion that fans around here have for Cornhusker football. Everyone in Nebraska gets enthusiastic during football season. It’s a fun environment to be a part of. Not to mention, the other grad students here are great people. My wife and I have a great time hanging out with the other students at social events. The atmosphere around Lincoln is really wonderful.”
Paul is currently studying with Dr. Wonyoung Choe, with a particular focus on structural chemistry. Throughout his tenure at UNL, Paul has been very impressed by the quality in facilities and equipment, as well as the diversity in research. Paul hopes to go on to a postdoctoral program upon completion of his PhD at UNL, and then become a professor and do research of his own.
