Lilly Dong, a junior majoring in physics with a concentration in advanced physics, is addressing real-world challenges through impressive, interdisciplinary research. Recently, Dong earned second place in the Physical and Applied Sciences category at the Fall 2024 UAB Expo—a triannual event that celebrates excellence in research, creative activity, and scholarship at the undergraduate level.
“I was shocked when I received the email announcing my award...To have my first poster be recognized and awarded at UAB's Expo was an honor,” said Dong.
Dong’s award-winning project titled "Optimization of Spinnability of Stimuli-Responsive Nanofibers in Alternating Current Electrospinning" explores the development of “smart” stimuli-responsive nanofibrous materials that are designed for on-demand drug delivery applications—a transformative approach with immense potential in healthcare. For the project—under the mentorship of Andrei Stanishevsky, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Physics—Dong successfully identified the characterization of poly(N, N-dimethyl acrylamide)/cold fish skin gelatin composite and the experimentation of different cross-linking methods.
“I've loved my time in Dr. Stanishevsky 's lab. I feel comfortable and confident to make mistakes and explore my research fully,” said Dong.
Dong laid the groundwork for their project in Fall 2023 by searching for a polymer solution that could successfully synthesize nanofibers. Later in the academic year, they received a National Science Foundation grant and continued their research abroad in Warsaw, Poland, for a 10-week International Research Experiences for Students (IRES) program at the Institute of Fundamental Technological Research Polish Academy of Sciences (IPPT PAN). There, Dong conducted research with a group led by IPPT PAN Associate Professor Filippo Pierini, Ph.D., and worked alongside IPPT PAN graduate student Anna Zakrzewska. Dong’s additional findings in Poland were included in their expo presentation.
“To see all of my work in Poland cumulate as a poster presentation at an international conference where the majority of attendees were graduate students, post-grads, or industry professionals was incredible!” said Dong.
“Lilly’s work and achievements are a testament to the extraordinary opportunities available through UAB’s Department of Physics,” said Ilias Perakis, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Physics. “They are an inspiring example of how undergraduate research not only deepens academic knowledge, but also empowers students to solve global challenges, build cross-disciplinary expertise, and lead the way in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”
With further research, Dong hopes to integrate poly(N, N-dimethyl acrylamide), superparamagnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles, and thermo-responsive poly(n-isopropyl acrylamide) into a single nanofibrous structure, combining physics, materials science, and biomedical engineering into one remarkable project. Afterward, Dong will continue to work in Stanishevsky’s laboratory with the goal of writing and publishing a paper as the first author. They are set to graduate in Spring 2026 and plan to continue their education and earn a Ph.D. in physics.