Jolina Alonzo

Research & Technical Work

• Conducted literature reviews on solvent extraction methods and machine learning (ML) applications in nuclear fuel reprocessing, reviewing 100+ scientific articles to support foundational research directions.
• Trained and statistically analyzed foundational NLP and ML models to automate the extraction and classification of ligand properties from scientific literature.
• Performed solvent extraction experiments involving heavy metals and analyzed results using ICP-OES, achieving high extraction yields.
• Analyzed nonproliferation risks and policy frameworks associated with AI-driven nuclear separation technologies, contributing to a related policy memo.
• Delivered weekly progress reports to principal investigators, guiding experimental pivots and resource reallocation.

Communication & Documentation

• Designed and compiled technical fact sheets, summary tables, and visual graphs to communicate results.
• Contributed to 3+ first authored original research manuscripts and 3+ conference presentations.
• Assisted in drafting sections for grant proposals totaling over $2 million, contributing key figures and technical justifications.

Collaboration & Mentorship

• Collaborated with scientists and engineers to plan experimental designs, troubleshoot technical issues, and provide technical analysis.
• Mentored 1 undergraduate researcher and 1 postdoc, offering training on experimental design and research methodologies.

Project & Professional Development

• Managed competing research and academic responsibilities by implementing weekly task tracking and project milestone systems, consistently meeting all deadlines.
• Participated in multiple professional development events (DOE workshops, technical symposia, etc.) to stay current on trends in nuclear chemistry, ML, and AI regulation.

Experimental Techniques & Radiochemistry

• Executed daily elutions of ⁴⁴Ti/⁴⁴Sc generators, ensuring consistent radionuclide output for radiolabeling and analysis.
• Measured sample radioactivity using High-Purity Germanium (HPGe) detectors, supporting radiopurity assessments and spectral analysis.
• Conducted radiolabeling experiments with organic ligands, achieving reproducible yields under controlled pH and buffer conditions, analyzed with a TLC plate reader.

Research & Interdisciplinary Applications

• Reviewed over 30+ peer-reviewed articles on ⁴⁴Ti/⁴⁴Sc generator systems and hydroxamate-based ligand chemistry to inform experimental design.
• Applied interdisciplinary methods from nuclear chemistry, analytical chemistry, and biomedical applications to explore emerging uses of scandium-based isotopes.

Safety & Data Analysis

• Implemented strict laboratory safety protocols, contributing to a 100% incident-free work environment during the research period.
• Performed quantitative data analysis using tools such as Excel or Python, resulting in actionable insights that guided iterative experimental improvements.

Radiation Detection & Analysis

• Analyzed and interpreted radiation detection and measurement data using Genie2000, supporting performance validation of detector systems.
• Characterized a well-type High-Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector using Geant4 and G4CSC, optimizing geometry and simulation accuracy for improved spectral resolution.
• Researched liquid scintillation counting (LSC) methodologies, including the effects of quenching, cocktail stability, and statistical fluctuations impacting alpha/beta counting efficiency.
• Authored an undergraduate thesis publication, contributing original insights to the field of nuclear detection and supporting future research directions.

Engineering Design & Simulation

• Improved product design of a custom sample holder for well-type detectors, increasing usability and assembly efficiency using CAD software.
• Conducted advanced detector simulations and data visualization using ROOT (CERN) and Geant4, enabling more precise model development for radiological systems.
• Gained hands-on experience with high-precision simulation, detector modeling, and hardware integration, contributing to 2+ cross-functional lab projects.

Data Reporting & Communication

• Compiled and analyzed project data to assist in preparation of detailed technical reports and stakeholder presentations, supporting data-driven project decisions.

Technical Research & Modeling

• Conducted advanced computational adsorption chemistry research using Density Functional Theory (DFT) with WebMO and VASP to model interactions on renewable carbons and rutile TiO₂ surfaces.
• Provided DFT modeling data that supported a thesis publication, contributing to insights in environmental remediation and surface science.
• Compiled and analyzed simulation data, generating 3D molecular visualizations, adsorption energy plots, and electronic structure diagrams for technical reporting.
• Implemented advanced data analysis techniques using Python and spreadsheet tools, reducing post-processing time and improving result clarity.

Literature Review & Reporting

• Conducted comprehensive literature reviews on heavy metal adsorption, hydrochars, cation-surface interactions, and DFT modeling of organic materials, identifying critical knowledge gaps.
• Created detailed technical reports with charts, 3D graphs, and annotated molecular images to effectively communicate findings to project mentors and collaborators.

Collaboration & Presentation

• Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team of chemists, engineers, and computational researchers, delivering research outcomes on time and within project scope.
• Presented research findings at the REU Poster Symposium, translating complex computational chemistry results into accessible, actionable insights.