Student Spotlight
Adam Balvanz, a third-year graduate student in the Kanatzidis Group, is a solid-state chemist. His research focuses on using X-ray diffraction and total scattering as methodologies for the structural determination of crystalline solids. One of the key attractions for him to Northwestern Chemistry was the state-of-the-art X-ray crystallography facilities in IMSERC.
What made you decide to attend Northwestern University?
I decided to pursue my graduate studies at Northwestern University because of two key people: Dr. Mercouri Kanatzidis and Dr. Christos Malliakas. During my undergraduate studies at the University of Delaware, I was fortunate to be involved in undergraduate research under Dr. Svilen Bobev, where I was exposed to solid state synthetic chemistry and X-ray diffraction. Needless to say, I found a passion for both since the former is unique in that the fruits of your labor can be easily seen and held in your hand and the latter is a very powerful technique to determine chemical structures of crystalline solids. I knew that I wanted to continue to pursue both for my Ph.D. and Dr. Kanatzidis is renowned in the field of solid state synthesis. After a few emails, he agreed to take me on early to work in his lab the summer before officially joining the graduate program. Dr. Malliakas is similarly renowned for his acumen in X-ray diffraction specifically incommensurate crystallography. So, what finally sold me on Northwestern was the X-ray crystallography facility and the ability to learn from him and the other staff. As a bonus, Northwestern’s primary color is purple which happens to be mine as well. To some degree, I am an anomaly since in my experience most students come in not knowing specifically what research they want to pursue, I was not only aware of my interests but actively sought out the best place to learn the skills I valued.
Tell us more about the research you are conducting in the Kanatzidis Lab.
I am in the business of discovering and characterizing new materials, but I specialize in X-ray diffraction and total scattering as methodologies for the structural determination of crystalline solids. Most interesting to me is how the local structure of solids (on the order of a few unit cells) can impact the bulk properties (millions of unit cells), especially when the local chemical environments deviate from the average, creating either an increased or decreased level of performance. For instance, my most recent project explores the level of structural distortions brought on by the stereochemical expression of the 5s2 loan pair of electrons in Sn2+ inside the metal halide perovskite framework. This class of materials is well-known today and have wide ranging applications from solar cells to hard radiation detectors. Their favorable properties are dependent on their robust 3-dimensional framework, however, and in certain composition spaces, the expression of loan pairs of electrons forces a disruption of the framework diminishing its properties. What my research has taught me is that a robust characterization of materials is critical to make better informed decisions with regards to application.
How would you explain what you study to non-scientists?
Ironically to me, the phase of matter that humanity most frequently interacts with is both taken for granted the most and is the least understood. While many may not realize it, almost all technologies and societal advancements can be derived from, at a fundamental level, basic research and discovery in solid state chemistry. A classic example is steel: one of the most industrially used materials in infrastructure for its strength and durability. But steel is a product of a solid state reaction between iron and carbon, turning iron from a brittle and easily oxidized element into steel. Various semiconductors and LEDs are other examples of solids that are used everyday which are direct byproducts of solid state research. Needless to say, all of these materials had to first be discovered and studied before being implemented for the benefit of society. This pocket of science is what my research focuses on.
What has been the highlight of your academic career thus far?
The highlight of my academic career came early on in my graduate studies. Since I actively pursued research in Dr. Kanatzidis’ lab in the summer leading up to graduate school, I was encouraged to apply for fellowships both through the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Department of Defense in my first year. After writing up research proposals and submitting the application, I was later awarded both the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship and the National Science Defense and Engineering Graduate Fellowship. Often times for graduate students in particular it can be difficult to gauge your progress and what the scientific community as a whole thinks about the research you present to the world. Winning these fellowships, although I was only permitted to select one, gave me a sense of achievement that can be elusive during a five-year program. It also gave me a bit more academic freedom being independently funded which is nice too.
Where do you hope to be in your career in the next 10 years?
I think of my career journey not in terms of potential jobs I can have, places I would like to be, or the salary I would be making, but instead in terms of being engaged with chemistry in ways that I find interesting. Ideally, in 10 years I would be making contributions to solid state chemistry research individually, pursuing my own ideas. Whether that be as a research professor at a university, working in labs run by the military, or national laboratories I have not really figured out yet. One thing that is clear to me is the value of independence and pursuing research topics that are of interest to me.
What is a hobby or activity you do outside of your work in chemistry?
Two things come to mind. One that may be a bit unique is that I enjoy keeping up to date with the news, but I only read hard copies of the newspaper. Staring at a computer for a long time during the day can wear down your tolerance to screen time, so when I read I prefer it to always be a physical copy. Secondly, I have always had a strong connection with animals. When I have time and when I take a vacation, I like to visit the zoos. To me wildlife is precious and seeing animals that I would likely never get to see in the wild is enjoyable. If I had to add one more thing, I have played baseball since I was a kid, so I catch a baseball game when I can. Being at Northwestern is actually ideal for this since it is centrally located near several major league teams without being prohibitively too far away.