Meet Adriana Lara: AIF’s New Student Worker

We’re excited to welcome Adriana Lara to our team as a new student worker! She is a rising junior in the Materials Science and Engineering Department and has been involved in research during her time at Wake Tech Community College in the START program in collaboration with Fayetteville State University working with Dr. Bhoj Gautam. Adriana was also an RTNN REU intern at NC State University and worked with perovskite thin films under the supervision of Dr. Aram Amassian.

Adriana is assisting in the operation and maintenance of the VPSEM and UHR-SEM labs. She collects data for internal and external users. In addition, she trains students to safely use the SEM. She has been utilizing our Hitachi SU3900 VPSEM and SU8700 UHR-SEM. In addition, she has learned some TEM using our ThermoFisher Talos F200X G2 and some optical microscopy using our Keyence VKx-1100. 

She is also currently learning how to operate and maintain the XRDs and XRF. Her input will involve collecting data for internal and external clients who submit samples for data collection, assisting with the training of users in the lab, and she will be able to offer advice concerning analysis of data. In addition, she will assist with the maintenance of the instruments in the XRD lab.

“My goals after graduation are to further pursue my education and be involved in research in the semiconductor field. During my free time, I like to crochet, collect engineering books, and drink matcha! Do not be afraid to say hi and what cool research you do!”
– Adriana Lara

I have been looking forward to Adriana starting. She has a great basic knowledge of the principles underlying XRD and SEM, and it will hopefully benefit both Adriana and the AIF to have her input and collaboration.
– Jenny Forrester, XRD lab manager

Welcome to the team, Adriana!