Assistant Professor Li Li of the School of Public Health, and student Paola Miramontes, studying in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, completed a model-based study researching liquid crystal monomers that resulted in her first publication by the American Chemical Society. Miramontes is the primary author on this article published in the Environmental Science & Technology Letters, and has the honor of being featured on the cover of the journal.

Miramontes initially reached out to Li about this research after taking one of his courses. When asked about his decision to accept Miramontes’ partnership, Li said “I believe she saw its direct connection to our daily lives. Some might think, ‘She is just a sophomore; what depth can she really add to scientific research?’ But from my perspective, there's nothing more crucial than genuine curiosity and passion when it comes to making strides in research.”

Liquid crystal monomers are human-made substances used in everyday electronics, which have the potential to invade indoor spaces, such as a classroom or home. Miramontes was inspired to research the environmental pollutants and potential health risks of these substances.

“Working with Dr. Li gave me an opportunity to learn aspects of environmental science and use techniques that I had not learned in the classroom,” said Miramontes.

The interdisciplinary research conducted brought a unique perspective to this study. It created an integration of Li’s public health focus and Miramontes’ background in ecological studies, identifying the implications of liquid crystal monomers both for humans and wildlife. 

In her testimony to Li, Miramontes stated, “As an undergraduate student, another valuable aspect of working with Dr. Li was getting to learn about the research process and implications of the project. This project motivated me to continue seeking research opportunities because I felt better prepared to work on other research projects.”

Interested in conducting research as an undergraduate or graduate student? We encourage you to explore the interdisciplinary research taking place at the University.