Summer intern trained in ligand-lanthanide complexation

CMI researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory conducted the research for this highlight

Innovation 
Sophia Mackley, a summer intern from Allegheny College supported by the Ruth Ann Verell Oak Ridge National Laboratory Endowment, contributed to CMI Project 1.2.2 for three months in 2025. She investigated aqueous speciation of lanthanides with the complexant DOODA.

Achievement

  • Built foundational knowledge of rare earth elements, their role in energy technologies, and key separation challenges.
  • Gained hands-on experience with solvent extraction experiments; ICP-OES analysis; viscosity measurements; and 1H NMR spectroscopy.
  • Participated in project discussions and delivered a presentation summarizing her research outcomes.

Hub Target Addressed
Training the critical materials workforce of the future.
 

Sophia presents a poster highlighting her research accomplishments on the CMI project at the ORNL Summer Student Poster Event (Friday, August 1, 2025).
Sophia presents a poster highlighting her research accomplishments on the CMI project at the ORNL Summer Student Poster Event (Friday, August 1, 2025).