Exploring Polaritonic Chemistry: Ruby Manderna’s Research Journey
Ruby Manderna, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Chemistry and Nanoscale Science at UNC Charlotte, is working at the forefront of computational quantum chemistry. Under the guidance of Dr. Jay Foley, her research focuses on developing ab initio methods for polaritonic chemistry—a cutting-edge field that explores light-matter interactions at the quantum level. By refining computational approaches, Ruby aims to create more accurate and efficient tools to study these complex systems, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in molecular modeling.
A Passion Ignited in Nanoscience
Ruby’s journey into molecular sciences began during her master’s thesis, where she explored the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their diverse applications. What started as a routine lab task quickly turned into a captivating journey of discovery. She found herself experimenting with various parameters—tweaking concentrations, adjusting reaction times, and refining techniques—all in pursuit of optimizing the nanoparticle properties. By the end of the project, Ruby was not only proud of the results she had achieved but also deeply inspired to pursue a career dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of molecular sciences. This experience ignited a passion within her for research, leading to an eagerness to explore further innovations in nanotechnology and its potential to address pressing global challenges.
The Impact of Mentorship and the MolSSI Fellowship
Developing advanced computational methods requires strong coding skills, and MolSSI Software Scientist Dr. Taylor Barnes has played a crucial role in helping Ruby refine her programming expertise. Through clear explanations of complex concepts, thoughtful resource suggestions, detailed code reviews, and invaluable feedback, Dr. Barnes has significantly strengthened her confidence in tackling complex computational problems.
Ruby’s growth as a researcher has also been greatly supported by her MolSSI Software Fellowship, an opportunity that has enhanced her technical skills, expanded opportunities for engaging in meaningful discussions and network with people from different fields, and provided the resources to advance her work in polaritonic chemistry. This experience has fueled her drive to develop robust software tools that will contribute meaningfully to the field by building robust and impactful tools for polaritonic Chemistry. This transformative journey has not only deepened Ruby’s understanding of complex concepts but also instilled in her a sense of confidence to tackle challenges and innovate within her discipline. As she continues to embrace these opportunities, she is excited to explore new collaborations and push the boundaries of what is possible in her research endeavors.
Looking to the Future
With a deep passion for research, Ruby envisions a long-term career as a research scientist in a national lab or industry, working on innovative challenges in quantum chemistry and quantum computing. In the immediate future, she is dedicated to developing a software tool for ab initio molecular dynamics, specifically tailored for polaritonic systems. This project, which blends her interests in physics, computational chemistry, and software development, aims to provide researchers with a more effective way to simulate and analyze complex light-matter interactions. By successfully completing her current software development project, Ruby plans to make a significant contribution to both the scientific community and the field of polaritonic chemistry. She’s particularly excited about the potential of this tool to deepen our understanding of light-matter interactions at the quantum level, unlocking new possibilities for exploring and manipulating these complex systems.
Beyond the Lab
Despite her dedication to science, Ruby firmly believes in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. She’s happiest going on walks, enjoying the outdoors, spending time with friends and family, and unwinding with a good science fiction or comedy series. Exploring new trails and immersing herself in captivating stories allows her to recharge and find inspiration for her creative pursuits. Whether it’s the thrill of discovering a hidden path or laughing at clever dialogue, these moments provide a perfect balance to her routine and fuels her imagination.
Celebrating Achievements and Embracing the Future
Among Ruby’s proudest accomplishments are earning admission to her master’s program after excelling in a highly competitive exam and being awarded the MolSSI Software Fellowship. These milestones have reinforced her belief in hard work and perseverance, motivating her to continue striving for excellence in her field.
As she looks ahead to the next few years, Ruby is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead—whether in academia, industry, or research institutions. With her expertise, passion, and drive to innovate, she is well on her way to making a lasting impact in the world of computational quantum chemistry.
If you are interested in more of her work, please visit her GitHub and LinkedIn pages