PCI is proud to be partnering with the School of Polymers and High Performance Materials at The University of Southern Mississippi to provide information on the program’s upcoming graduates. Read below to learn about our Student of the Month, and email polymers@usm.edu or call 601-266-4868 for more information about them.

Name: Jared Christopher Bates
Degree Being Sought: Polymer Science and Engineering
Undergrad Degree & Institution: University of Southern Mississippi
Research Group:Dr. Joseph Lott’s group
Area of Study: Stimuli-responsive materials and high-performance materials (two separate areas)
Hometown: Picayune, MS

Give a brief synopsis of research/work being done.

Lott Group: Work on optimizing chromophores for photon upconversion through triplet-triplet annihilation in solutions and polymer films for eventual attachment onto polymer chains for solid state upconversion is being done.

Wiggins Group: (for capstone) Work on the optimization of TPU air bladders and spacer fabrics for inclusion in high-performance systems such as helmets/shoe soles is being done.

From your current perspective, what do you see as an ideal fit for your skills, goals and career moving forward?  

Hopefully a job in the sciences that provides me with an opportunity to grow in knowledge while working to provide needed advances in areas of interest.

Why did you choose USM?  

It was a local college with an extraordinary program - what more can one ask for?

*What USM-related scholarships did you receive? 

Academic excellence scholarship and Polymer Science Scholar scholarship.

Who or what influenced your USM education the most?  

The polymer program’s atmosphere from teachers to peers has been conducive for learning.

What are your plans for next year and beyond?

I will continue to work on the before-mentioned projects until graduation and then intend to attend graduate school in a polymer-related field to further my understanding of these plentiful and useful materials.

What was one of your greatest challenges attending USM? 

Being the first polymer science and engineering major of the program, I came in the first year the engineering side was offered for undergrads and shall be the first to complete the program.

An interesting (personal) fact about yourself.   

I have a pet squirrel.