So, posting about the project right away didn't happen because deciding on the project didn't happen and then coding didn't happen. But now it all has!
I'm working in theoretical statistical mechanics with Professor Jim Gunton at Lehigh. More specifically, this summer the research group is studying anisotropic (orientation-dependent) Janus particles.
A Janus particle is has 2 different "faces" like the Roman god. This means that one half of the particle acts in one manner and the other half differently. For example, one half may be hydrophobic and the other half charged, which is the model we are studying and which has been commonly studied. To our knowledge, only isotropic (spherical) Janus particles have been studied in depth so far. One experimental study was done with ellipsoidal Janus particles, but it was only presented, not published. Thus, the group I am working with is trying to get in on this and make it their "thing".
In general, we are looking at the self-assembly of these particles into clusters, including micelles and vesicles. To do this, we use Monte Carlo simulations, which I will explain in more detail another time.
The particular case I am examining is whether it would be possible to use these anisotropic Janus particles to surround other particles as a method to transport the other particles, such as for drug delivery. We don't know if it'll work. Today I am running the first simulations- hopefully I'll have the answer in a few weeks.
More on Monte Carlo simulations and Janus particles as I find time.
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