NDSU chemistry student developing innovative corrosion-resistant automotive coating

When you look at a car, what do you see? The first thing that probably catches your eye is the vehicle’s color. But when you think about the deeper components of that layer of paint, you’ll start to realize the science behind what ensures that paint doesn’t start to corrode.

Zubin Park, a sophomore chemistry and music double major, is working diligently in the lab to create a Polyaniline-Graphene Oxide coating primer for automotive application.

“The primary thing I'm researching is a coating that can adhere or stick to both the metal, which is the base of the car, and to another coating that we call a topcoat, or a protective layer,” said Park, who is from Wilmington, Delaware. “Our role is to see how we incorporate different materials into creating a coating that can stick to two different spaces. I'm looking into how nanoparticles can enhance the adhesion of the coating onto both the metal and other coatings as well.”

While the project is primarily focused on automotive applications, the research could have a broader impact in fields such as biomedical engineering. Devices implanted in the body, such as pacemakers, could benefit from the corrosion-resistant coating that would protect against bodily fluids.

Park has been working on his research under Eugene Caldona, an assistant professor in coatings and polymeric materials. In addition to the mentorship Caldona provides, Park has also been mentored by Marcel Roy Domalanta, a doctoral student in coatings and polymeric materials. Park has been appreciative of the collaborative research environment NDSU provides and the connections he has made along the way.

“Undergraduate research is quite vital. Not only in the projects that you're pursuing, but also the relationships that you make with professors,” Park said. “With Dr. Caldona, I've gotten to know him as a person, but also as a mentor and a researcher, so more than just as a faculty member and a lecturer. Getting those dual sides from professors cultivates deep relationships that are long-lasting beyond college.”

For Park, who transferred from the University of Delaware, NDSU has provided ample opportunities to get involved in research, right from the start of his studies.

“One thing about NDSU that really stands out is the ease of access into research. The majority of my classmates, both underclassmen and upperclassmen, are involved in some sort of research,” he said. “That ease of access into the lab space shows how forward the professors are with offering their research opportunities.”

Through his involvement in research, Park has had the opportunity to showcase his results to a broader audience, including at NDSU’s annual Student Research Days. This year Park placed third place in the poster presentation portion of the event. Additionally, Park has presented at conferences both in North Dakota and in other states, which has allowed him to meet a community of researchers from whom he can learn from.

Outside of the lab space, Park has already made an impact on his professional career goals. He has already interned with John Deere, and this summer he will intern with SpaceX, where he’ll be working in material sciences.

Although Park wasn’t initially sure which area of chemistry he wanted to pursue, NDSU’s chemistry program gave him the flexibility to explore a variety of interests and career paths. With four specialized tracks, students can tailor their degree to match their goals — from preparing for careers in medicine and other health professions through the pre-professional track to exploring innovative materials through the coatings and polymeric materials option, along with other pathways designed to fit a wide range of interests within the chemistry field.

Outside of chemistry, Park also finds time to pursue his other passion: music. Park plays cello for the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony and is an instructor for NDSU’s Music Academy.

“I've been playing cello for about 11 years, and so I knew cello was going to be involved in my life in some capacity. Luckily at NDSU, I do have that capacity to make it a major in addition to chemistry,” he said.

Park encourages fellow undergraduate students interested in research to pursue projects they’re passionate about and lean on the mentorship available on campus.

“You don’t have to break into this graduate research group and somehow make it in your first year,” he said. “Instead, you have these third- and fourth-year students who have already been established in this program who are ready to lead you.”

Own your horizon by applying today or scheduling a visit to see what NDSU has to offer.