UC engineer studying renewable energy sources
After earning a bachelor's degree in physics from the University of Cincinnati, Katherine Schlaak wanted to delve deeper into the scientific world. She stayed at UC to earn a master's degree in materials science and is now pursuing her PhD in materials science. Under the guidance of Associate Professor Sarah Watzman, Schlaak is exploring the untapped potential of thermoelectric materials. Recently, she was named Graduate Student Engineer of the Month by the College of Engineering and Applied Science.
Why did you choose UC? What drew you here?
Katherine Schlaak earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees at UC and is currently in her PhD program. Photo/provided.
My family lives near Cincinnati and I grew up here, so attending the University of Cincinnati made sense for me from both a social and financial perspective.
I have studied at UC for my bachelor's and master's degrees, in physics and materials science, respectively.
I connected with Dr. Sarah Watzman during my search for a research experience as an undergraduate and completed my master's thesis with her group.
My experience in her lab was so rewarding that I decided to stay at UC for my PhD. I am currently in my third year of a PhD program in materials science, and I am still happy to be a graduate student here.
Why did you choose your field of study?
My bachelor's degree in physics taught me to appreciate the fundamental study of nature, but I decided that a slightly more applied subject, like materials science, would be a better fit for me. Initially, I was drawn to Dr. Watzman's Energy Conversion Materials laboratory because of its connection to renewable energy. Over time, I have become interested in the mechanisms that govern the electrical, thermal, and magnetic behavior that I observe in my research. My work in materials science is an ideal mix of engineering and fundamental science, allowing me to combine hands-on experimentation with my interest in the underlying physics of the systems that I study.
Briefly describe your research work. What problems do you hope to solve?
A large portion of produced electricity is lost as heat and never used to power anything. Thermoelectric materials can turn this waste heat back into usable electricity. Although, they are unable to be widely used as renewable energy sources because thermoelectric materials aren't yet good enough at this conversion. To improve thermoelectric materials, scientists need a better understanding of the particles that give them this property. However, determining what causes the behavior of these particles is challenging because of the many different factors that can affect their movement.
Katherine Schlaak, PhD candidate in materials science, is studying the behaviors of thermoelectric materials. Photo/provided.
I am studying exotic materials that behave strangely when their electrical and thermal properties are measured in different directions and in applied magnetic fields. Much of my time is spent patiently preparing these materials for measurements beneath a microscope. My samples are very small, no longer than the width of a pinky fingernail, and the wires which are glued to them for measurements are only a little thicker than a strand of hair. I measure many different properties, including electrical resistivity, thermal conductivity, and thermoelectric effects, using a specialized system that can cool down to -450° F and generate magnetic fields nearly a thousand times stronger than a refrigerator magnet.
With the data that I collect, I hope to learn more about the processes that control thermoelectric behavior. This knowledge will help other scientists develop thermoelectric devices that run on renewable waste heat, so that more generated electricity can be used for its intended purpose.
What are some of the most impactful experiences during your time at UC?
Dr. Watzman has given me, and the rest of my lab group, manay opportunities to attend and present at conferences around the country. In the fall of 2024, I was fortunate enough to travel to Germany for a small conference related to my field of research. This was a very impactful experience for me because it was the first time I had traveled internationally on my own, and it allowed me to interact with other graduate students and established scientists who were interested in the same research.
What are a few of your accomplishments of which you are most proud?
Within the span of five years, I was able to complete an Associate of Science degree at Cincinnati State, as well as a B.S. in physics and an M.S. in materials science at UC. The process of writing and defending my master's thesis was an important milestone for me because it was the culmination of years of work and it served as evidence for me that I could be a capable scientist.
I was awarded a Graduate Research Fellowship from the National Science Foundation in the Spring of 2023. This is a competitive, nationally recognized program which has given me more freedom to research projects that interest me.
When do you expect to graduate? What are your plans after earning your degree?
I intend to graduate in 2026, although I am in no rush to leave UC. I hope to continue researching in some capacity, ideally in a field related to energy generation or transport properties in interesting materials like semiconductors or semimetals.
Do you have any other hobbies, experiences, or involvements you want to share?
As a graduate student, I have tried to share my experience as a woman in STEM and build an interest in science within my community by conducting outreach events. During these events, I lead a short experiment which uses thermoelectric modules connected to a voltmeter to demonstrate how something as common as body heat can create a voltage across a thermoelectric material. I can often see the audience's curiosity build during these activities, and I particularly enjoy watching them come up with creative ways to create the biggest voltage difference. I have presented to numerous school and community groups, and I am excited to expand my outreach efforts in the coming years.
Outside of school, I am an avid baker, and I enjoy spending time with my friends, with my family, and my dog, Moose.
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