Kay Dolan (Golden Valley, MN) began at WVU in the Masters program in the fall of 2023. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in the spring of 2023 from Hamline University in Saint Paul, MN. While at Hamline University, Kay worked on a couple undergraduate projects. One project was optimizing the polymerization process of polyacrylamide with a cold atmospheric plasma jet. The other was a chemical characterization study with PLA 3D printer filament to assess if the FTIR was sensitive enough to distinguish between different rolls of filament.
Why did you choose WVU?
I chose WVU because I had heard of the incredible Forensic Science program here and I really liked Morgantown when I toured WVU.
Why did you choose to work with Dr. Morris?
I wanted to work in Dr. Morris' research group because I have a particular interest in feature comparison research, specifically firearms and toolmarks. When I was applying to graduate school, I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Morris and hear his approach to research and developing scientists. Dr. Morris takes a more hands-off approach, letting my colleagues and I to grow as researchers and scientists in a more independent fashion, while still offering support when we need it.