An introduction to research

Dr. Bob Echols, Lewis Abra and Xerxes Steirer making polymer solar cells.
Dr. Bob Echols, Lewis Abra and Xerxes Steirer making polymer solar cells.

Dr. Bob and I met at orientation day for undergraduate transfer students. A year later, Lewis, Dr. Bob and I were making solar cells out of plastic and other materials. My introduction to renewable energy materials research could not have been better. California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) has an advanced polymer electronics lab headed by Dr. David Braun in the EE department. Dr. Braun’s experience, Dr. Bob’s enthusiasm and our time in lab helped shape our undergraduate experiences and give us a boost towards careersĀ in renewable energy.