Materials chemistry
I want to understand how composition, molecular structure, bonding, and processing influence a material’s physical, chemical, and electronic properties.
How does a material’s chemical structure shape what it can do?
Phumint Oudom Pann
I’m a rising sophomore at Denison University building a foundation across chemistry, mathematics, biology, and physics. I’m especially interested in how chemical structure and molecular behavior influence the materials used in energy storage and electronic technologies.
Chemistry • Denison University • Class of 2029
Introduction

I am curious about the point where molecular behavior becomes a material’s observable function.
My full name is Phumint Oudom Pann, and I go by Dom. I am a rising sophomore at Denison University majoring in chemistry. I am interested in how chemical structure and molecular behavior become the physical and electronic properties we observe in useful materials.
That connection has drawn me toward materials chemistry and electrochemistry, particularly questions involving energy storage, electrode materials, and semiconductor surfaces and interfaces. My coursework in chemistry, multivariable calculus, and biology has helped me begin building an interdisciplinary scientific foundation. This fall, I will continue developing that foundation through physics, evolution, and Organic Chemistry II.
I am still early in my scientific training as an undergraduate, and I hope to gain faculty-mentored research experience where I can learn careful experimental work, scientific reasoning, data interpretation, and research communication. Over time, I want to understand how fundamental chemistry can contribute to practical advances in energy and electronic materials.
Chemistry major
Rising sophomore
Interested in research at the chemistry–materials–engineering boundary
Developing interests
My interests are still developing, but I am especially drawn to scientific questions that connect molecular-level chemistry with the performance of functional materials.
I want to understand how composition, molecular structure, bonding, and processing influence a material’s physical, chemical, and electronic properties.
How does a material’s chemical structure shape what it can do?
I am curious about electron-transfer reactions, electrode materials, batteries, and the chemical processes that make energy storage and conversion possible.
How can chemistry help create more effective and sustainable energy-storage materials?
I want to learn how chemistry contributes to semiconductor synthesis, surfaces, interfaces, processing, and electronic behavior.
How do composition, defects, surfaces, and interfaces influence semiconductor performance?
Coursework
My coursework is building a foundation across chemistry, molecular biology, mathematics, and physics as I explore materials science, electrochemistry, energy storage, and semiconductor science.
Atoms and Molecules: Structure and Dynamics
Molecular Biology and Unicellular Life
Introduction to Global Health
First-Year Writing Workshop
Organic Structure and Reactivity
Multicellular Life
Multivariable Calculus
Intermediate Organic Chemistry
Physics I: Quarks to Cosmos
Includes the associated laboratory
Ecology and Evolution
Environmental Philosophy
Developing capabilities
Through my chemistry laboratory courses and interdisciplinary coursework, I am developing practical skills in chemical analysis, data analysis, and academic communication.
Acid–base titration
Liquid–liquid extraction
Thin-layer chromatography (TLC), including developing and interpreting TLC plates
Melting-point determination
Mixed melting-point analysis
Solution preparation and general laboratory measurement
SQL for filtering, grouping, joining, and analyzing datasets
Python — currently learning
R — basic experience with statistical analysis
Quantitative data analysis
Microsoft PowerPoint
Scientific and academic presentations
Research-based writing
Communicating technical information clearly
Next steps
I am seeking a summer opportunity where I can contribute to an active research environment while learning how scientific work is conducted beyond the classroom. A faculty-mentored laboratory experience is my first preference, although I would also value a closely related technical internship.
Materials chemistry or materials science
Electrochemistry and energy storage
Battery or electrode materials
Semiconductor materials
Sustainable energy research
Chemistry projects connected to chemical engineering
Learn laboratory methods under appropriate supervision
Read and discuss scientific literature
Understand how researchers develop testable questions
Observe how experiments are planned and refined
Strengthen scientific data interpretation
Communicate results clearly and responsibly
Contribute reliably to a research team
Learn from unexpected or inconclusive results
Open to undergraduate research and relevant technical internships
Academic direction
My immediate focus is developing a strong foundation in chemistry and gaining meaningful research experience. I am also exploring Denison’s dual-degree engineering pathway with Washington University in St. Louis as a possible route into chemical engineering.
That path interests me because it could connect molecular-level chemistry with materials design, quantitative problem-solving, and technological applications. I am particularly interested in how chemistry and engineering work together in fields involving energy systems, electrochemical materials, and semiconductor technologies. I have not committed to a single path yet, and I want future coursework and research experience to help me make that decision carefully.
Contact
I would be glad to connect with professors, research groups, and organizations working in chemistry, materials, electrochemistry, energy, semiconductors, or related areas. I am especially interested in opportunities where an undergraduate can learn through careful mentorship and meaningful participation.
pann_d1@denison.eduUniversity email · Denison University