Amanda Mills

Dec 2, 2025

Fluorescence Dyes and Single-Molecule Imaging

Dr. Yang Zhang The Molecular Analytics and Photonics (MAP) lab develops bright fluorescent dyes for ultra-high resolution imaging to visualize the nanoscale structures and functions inside a cell. As a part of this project, you will either learn how to make fluorescence labels and bioconjugation methods to “dye and paint” the cell or learn how… 

Dec 2, 2025

Development of wearable soft robots based on shape-changing fibers

Dr. Xiaomeng Fang Our lab has developed a variety of pneumatically driven, shape-changing fibers that contract to varying degrees upon inflation. These fibers retain the inherent advantages of traditional fibers, including flexibility, conformability, and breathability. We plan to integrate these fibers into bundles and fabrics to develop wearable devices capable of generating diverse, programmable motions.… 

Dec 2, 2025

Spinnability of Recycled and Hemp Fibers

Dr. Rong Yin This project evaluates the spinnability of recycled textile fibers and hemp fibers for sustainable yarn production. It focuses on how fiber properties, such as length distribution, fineness, stiffness, and surface characteristics, affect cohesion and spinning processability. Through fiber characterization and small-scale spinning trials, we will assess spinning performance, identify processing challenges, and… 

Dec 2, 2025

Leveraging Dye Isomers for Enhanced Photostability in Petroleum-Based Dyes

Dr. Tova N. Williams Cherry Did you know dyes can do more than just provide color? Join the Sustainable Dye Chemistry Laboratory to explore how certain dyes may actually stabilize the color of others, helping them resist degradation under long-term UV exposure. We’re especially interested in studying dyes that look almost identical at first glance…