New Equal Opportunity Fellow Laura Adilova

My name is Laura Adilova. I have just started my “Advanced Materials and Processes” (MAP) master’s program at FAU. My choice of the university was based on FAU’s strong reputation in engineering and materials science, along with its emphasis on interdisciplinary research. MAP program combines everything I like about engineering and materials; it also offers opportunities to participate in and contribute to various research fields through the university’s network of research institutions. One of such research centers that caught my attention was Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 1411 which I am honored to be a part of through my “Equal Opportunity” fellowship.

My fondness for research has been growing ever since I started my undergraduate Chemical Engineering degree at Nazarbayev University (Astana, Kazakhstan) where I had the opportunity to work in two distinct laboratories. I initially focused on photocatalytic degradation of water-contaminated products and even did my mini-project on applications of natural zeolites to treat mercury-contaminated water. Although I really enjoyed this research, I found myself more invested in research on biomaterials and their applications in regenerative medicine. This has led me to the second lab where I focused on synthesizing biodegradable polymer for bone tissue regeneration. During this work, I gained experience in various material characterization techniques that deepened my interest in the science of materials and their properties ultimately leading me to explore research opportunities that combine these concepts.

At the CRC1411, I am particularly excited to learn more about the projects in comprehensive characterization, such as microscopic 3D characterization (C01) and diffusion of nanoparticles (C03), which closely align with my past research experience and future career aspirations. I am extremely excited to be part of the Collaborative Research Center and look forward to all the opportunities and growth it will bring!