Annual Report 2007 - The Australian Nanotechnology Network

My initial trip to UCSB was set up as a knowledge transfer. I was to learn about polymerization
processes and I had to teach the group about SERS and what requirements the nanoparticles
needed to meet to ensure we would have a signal from them. This provided me with direction
and a better understanding of the polymer behaviour. During my trip in 2007 (funded in part by
the ARCNN), I was synthesised a further 4 polymers and a small molecule for attachment to the
hybrid gold-polymer nanoparticles that have been made as part of this project. This work was
carried out in approximately 7 weeks. I was also able to use various characterisation tools across
different departments at UCSB to ensure optimal use of my time there. During my stay I also
had the opportunity to work with Professor Martin Moskovits postdoctoral fellows, in particular
Dr. SeungJoon Lee. This allowed me the opportunity to fine tune some of my spectral analysis of
my nanoparticles and to obtain further thoroughness with both my experimental and analytical
skills.
I also had the opportunity to present my work on several occasions at group meetings. This
allowed me to be able to discuss with members of both Professor Hawker’s and Professor
Moskovits group further ways to improve my research and to use my time optimally during my
stay.
This trip has allowed me to further my work such that I will be finished my PhD in the next few
months. I am currently finalising the characterisation on the small molecule so that we can
publish this work in the near future. I would like to take this opportunity to thank both the
ARCNN for their generous funding towards my travels. I believe that I have benefited
immensely from this trip and am looking forward to finalising my project and publications
before commencing further research pursuits.
A picture of UCSB taken from Inspiration Point
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