Published: 
By  Giri Lab

Lauren Hernon (pictured above) was one of many UVA chemical engineering undergraduates working on summer research projects who showcased their work at the department's annual poster symposium (below). There was once again excellent participation in summer research, with undergraduates working with faculty and graduate student mentors on air filtration and energy technologies, tissue engineering for health, advancing scientific understanding using AI techniques and other projects.
Hernon worked in assistant professor Gino Giri's lab with Ph. D. student Ankit Dhakal developing coatings for fabrics that dramatically improve the textile's ability to filter particulate matter. The technology turns inexpensive fabrics into washable filters that are highly effective against viruses and air pollution, and which can be integrated into everyday items such as face masks, hijabs and curtains.