Congratulations to Chemistry major Xiaochen Du, one of three recipients of this year’s Faculty Scholars Awards, the highest bestowed by Duke faculty on undergraduates! The award honors students for a record of innovative and independent research and scholarship. Xiaochen, a double major in chemistry and computer science, is interested in using machine learning and automation to accelerate the search for materials to fight climate change. From materials science to biochemistry, Xiaochen's undergraduate years were all about exploration. He previously created a perovskite materials database with Prof. Volker Blum, worked with Prof. Alberto Bartesaghi from Computer Science and Biochemistry on cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) image analysis, and researched with Prof. David Beratan on electron transport. Xiaochen also interned for a startup using robots to automate science experiments. In these experiences, he collaborated with scientists with backgrounds ranging from theoretical physics, biochemistry to virology. After graduation, Xiaochen aims to enroll in a graduate program and continue interdisciplinary research and collaboration across departments. Read more about Xiaochen and the Faculty Scholars Award in Duke Today.
Chemistry