March 09 Issue - Employee Monthly Magazine

Young researcher contributes to science, builds community

Pawan Rastogi of the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies prepares a quantum dot sample for optical characterization. Photo by Dixon Wolf

In the short time post-baccalaureate student Pawan Rastogi has been at the Laboratory, he has made a difference in both the research and student community.

Rastogi came to the Lab in 2007 as a summer intern when he was a junior at Columbia University. He was attracted to the Lab, he said, because of its "historical significance, modern facilities, and great minds."

After graduating early magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in chemistry and pre-medicine, Rastogi returned in 2008 as a nanotechnology and nanochemistry intern.

Rastogi works in Los Alamos's Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (CINT), where he conducts cutting-edge research on sensitizing and protecting lanthanide ion emission using optically active nanocrystals.

"I work with my mentor, Jennifer Hollingsworth, postdoctoral Fellows Nickolaus Smith, Javier Vela, and Alfred Wooten; and technologist Darrick Williams, all of whom have ample more years of experience in research than I do," he said. "But never once in my time working at CINT was I spoken to in a condescending manner. My colleagues value me as an integral part of their team and take a genuine interest in my research and project."

The excellence of Rastogi's work is reflected in the prizes he's won, such as the Charles D. Coryell Award for Undergraduate Research in Nuclear Chemistry from the American Chemical Society, the Lab's Distinguished Student Performance Award, Outstanding Presentation in Chemistry at the 2008 Laboratory Student Symposium, First Place at Technology Transfer Division's 2008 Innovation Challenge, and First Place in Chemistry at the Department of Energy's 2008 Science and Energy Research Challenge.

In addition to his research, Rastogi is chair of the Students' Association and sits on the Student Programs Advisory Committee at the Lab. His involvement in student affairs helps him make Lab internships as enriching to students as possible, he said. "I want to ensure that students are having a well-rounded and stimulating internship experience," Rastogi said.

--Tatjana K. Rosev

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