Karla Arias

Department of Chemistry – Polymer Chemistry

Research Poject: Self assembly of surfactants and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) in aqueous solutions under variable conditions such as pH and ionic strength for selective enrichment of chiral SWNT

Karla received her B.S. and M.S at DePaul University and is originally from Chicago, IL and a first generation Mexican American. Before coming to the University of Connecticut, she was employed at the L’Oreal Institute for Ethnic Hair and Skin Research and Spherotech Inc. Karla’s research interests include exploring polymer and carbon based material for application in photovoltaics and sensors. As a Bridge to the Doctorate fellow, she has had the opportunity to mentor undergraduate students that work along side her in the lab. In addition to research, Karla and other graduate students have started the SACNAS (Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science) chapter at UConn where she currently serves as president. She also serves as the senator for the chemistry program in the Graduate Student Senate (GSS). In her free time, Karla can be found at the student recreational center participating in BodyWise classes, PACK training, or going on outdoor activities with the UConn Outdoors.