A chemical engineering undergraduate has been selected for a prestigious summer research project at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Lily Hallett is one of 12 students nationally chosen by the MIT Materials Research Laboratory to pursue summer research at the top-ranked facility.

Hallett will select a project based on an MIT faculty presentation at the beginning of the program. Last year, fields of study included photonics, materials science, energy and biomedical innovation.

Hallett said she's excited for the opportunity to experience what the MIT Materials Research Laboratory has to offer. 

"Participating in this program will give me the opportunity to gain experience at a top-ranked institution, and to work on a new project that will help me expand my skill set," Hallett said. "Working on as many projects as possible as an undergraduate is important, as I will then have a better understanding of what kind of project I want to pursue in graduate school."

Once she graduates, Hallett said she plans to obtain a doctorate, and then enter the chemical engineering industry to research and develop new materials for energy storage and conversion.

"The intermittency of renewable energy sources is one of the major challenges in transitioning to sustainable methods of energy production," she said. "Since the sun only shines during the day and the wind is not always blowing, storing excess energy from these sources for later use is extremely important. Projects I would like to work on include materials for batteries and photovoltaics, and I am also interested in using electrochemical methods to produce high-value chemicals. I have many interests; ultimately, I just want to be a part of building a sustainable future for our global community."

Dave Ford, head of the Ralph E. Martin Department of Chemical Engineering, said Hallett's selection was a considerable accomplishment.

"There are many students competing for a relatively small number of positions at MIT's Materials Research Laboratory," Ford said. "Lily's outstanding academic record and research accomplishments here at the University of Arkansas have led to a rare opportunity. We wish her the best for a challenging and fun summer."