Nicholas Hattrup
Nicholas Hattrup, a student studying psychics and chemical engineering, got his first taste of research as a freshman at VCU. “I assisted in the synthesis of polymer encapsulated drugs – micelles,” he recalls. “It was then that I learned the value of research by seeing how the understanding and engineering of new technologies could lead to the development of products that improved people's lives.” Since that time, Nicholas has been busy in the lab.
Nicholas currently conducts research in with Professor Frank Gupton in the Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering. “Day-to-day in the lab involves creating and analyzing various solid-state catalysis through analytic techniques and via many different synthesis methods such as continuous flow, microwave irradiation and SEA in batch,” explains Nicholas. “These research opportunities are important to me because they allow me to refine my abilities as a scientist, as well as explore different areas of interest for future projects.”
When Nicholas isn’t in class or in the lab, you can find him working on Earth Hacks, an annual environmental based hack-a-thon that he hopes will become nationally known. After graduation, Nicholas hopes to pursue an engineering-focused doctorate with an emphasis in physics.