For many researchers, access to advanced instrumentation and toolsets can be the difference between an idea and getting published. But not all academic institutions can prioritize research instrumentation on the same scale.   

Jacob Sylvie, an undergraduate researcher at Berry College, experienced this firsthand. His research focused on developing benchtop electrochemical methods to grow crystalline semiconductor materials — work that required highly specialized techniques and tools. Even though Sylvie performed most of his research at Berry, he still had one problem: He needed access to resources that weren’t available on campus. 

“Since Berry College is a small, liberal arts, primarily undergraduate institution, we only have access to a limited range of in-house instrumentation,” said Zachary Lindsey, assistant professor at Berry College and Sylvie’s advisor. “The combination of the available instrumentation and focused support offered by expert personnel at Georgia Tech presented a rare, world-class opportunity for my students.” 

Sylvie and Lindsey reached out to the Institute for Matter and Systems’ Materials Characterization Facility regarding characterization services. They were advised to apply for the Southeastern Nanotechnology Infrastructure Corridor (SENIC) Catalyst Program to support Sylvie’s research needs. 

The program supports researchers in microtechnology, nanotechnology, and the broader scientific community by providing access to SENIC facilities to aid in research, obtain preliminary data, conduct proof-of-concept studies, or for educational purposes.  

“One of the goals of SENIC is to democratize access to world-class facilities, like the ones here at IMS,” said David Gottfried, associate director of external user programs and SENIC site director at Georgia Tech. “The Catalyst Seed Grants are one way we can make sure that anyone can benefit from our research infrastructure.” 

Through the program, Sylvie and Lindsey received use-of-tool access, staff time, and materials and supplies for six months. During this time, Sylvie published his first peer-reviewed article in Physica B: Condensed Matter. The publication played a pivotal role in his successful application for the Goldwater Scholarship in March. 

“I cannot emphasize enough the magnitude of the support and efficiency of the SENIC Catalyst Seed Grant,” said Lindsey. “The impact that this program has had on my students and me is irreplaceable, and I highly recommend that other faculty and students take advantage of this opportunity to push your research to new heights.” 

Programs like SENIC don’t just support research — they bridge the gap between potential and achievement, empowering students from all backgrounds to reach new heights in science and innovation. 

This work was performed in part at the Georgia Tech Institute for Matter and Systems, a member of the National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI), which is supported by the National Science Foundation (Grant ECCS-2025462).