Jennifer Pierre-Louis smiles in front of a backdrop comprised of treetops.

Jennifer Pierre-Louis

Image courtesy of the subject.

Graduate Student Spotlight: Jennifer Pierre-Louis

by Danielle Doughty | Department of Chemistry |
Categories: Research, Students

Chemistry Graduate Student Jennifer Pierre-Louis describes her research and answers 20 random questions as part of the Graduate Student Spotlight series.

Jennifer Pierre-Louis is a second year graduate student who comes to MIT from the Boston area, by way of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. A member of Professor Tim Swager‘s reasearch group, Jennifer’s research is focused on synthesizing emissive poly(arylene ether) (PAE)-based porous organic polymers functionalized with hexafluoroisopropyl (HFIP) groups. These polymers have hydrophobic characteristics and strong hydrogen bonding, which make them suitable for hosting dyes and sequestering regulated poly- and per-fluoroalkane substances (PFAS).

Jennifer’s work focuses on two applications: PFAS detection and bacteria sensing. The HFIP-functionalized PAE polymers will have a strong affinity for six PFAS targets (PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, and HFPO-DA). She plans to use these polymers as fluorescent nanoparticles in a vertical flow immunoassay to detect Listeria through a peroxalate chemiluminescence mechanism. The hydrogen bonding and porosity of our polymers will enable us to host up to 1,000,000 oxalate esters in a single particle.

“I decided to pursue my PhD in chemistry to deepen my knowledge in a specific area and work on developing new materials aimed at improving human health and the environment,” said Jennifer.

As the subject of this Graduate Student Spotlight, Jennifer shares the most amazing sunset she’s ever seen, the activities she’d take on if she didn’t have to sleep, the image that makes her laugh no matter how often she sees it, and more.

  1. If you were on a 27 hour flight and could only watch one movie, what would it be?
    Aladdin.
  2. What is the best vacation you’ve ever taken?
    My best vacation was a two-month stay in Japan, where I made funny and wholesome memories.
  3. If you were given five million dollars to open a small museum, what kind of museum would you create?
    A skincare museum showcasing the evolution of skincare from ancient to modern times. Its goal is to inspire self-love and offer a “build your own” customized skincare product experience.
  4. What are some small things that make your day better?
    Achieving the small goals I set for myself throughout the day or experiencing a random act of kindness.
  5. What movie, picture, or video always makes you laugh no matter how often you watch it?
    If you search for my house on Google Maps, you’ll see my little brother striking a sassy pose while looking at the camera.
  6. If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
    Reading and consolidating more knowledge into long-term
  7. What’s worth spending more on to get the best?
    Matcha.
  8. What is special about the place you grew up?
    We used to have mango and coconut trees in our backyard, along with a vegetable garden and a chicken coop. It was really nice to go to the top of the house to stargaze while eating mangoes.
  9. What is something that a ton of people are obsessed with but you just don’t get the point of?
    Coffee and drinking multiple cups of coffee throughout the day.
  10.  Where was the most amazing sunset you have ever seen?
    In Dubrovnik, Croatia while in a Zipcar.
  11. If you could have a never-ending candle that smelled like anything you wanted, what fragrance would you want it to be?
    Rose scented / a garden of flowers.
  12. If animals could talk, which animal do you think would be the most annoying, and why?
    I think mice or rats would be the most annoying because they can be found everywhere. If they could talk, their presence would be even more noticeable and annoying.
  13. What food do you crave most often?
    I often crave foods that will make me feel good after eating and are beneficial for my body.
  14. What irrational fear do you have?
    Waking up late for or sleeping through an important event in my life.
  15. Who would be in the lineup for your ideal music festival?
    Tems, The Rose, and Bruno Mars.
  16.  What are the best and worst purchases you’ve ever made?
    My best purchase was flight tickets for trips. The worst purchase, which I still regret, is a green salad spinner.
  17. Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?
    Oia, Greece.
  18. If you could know the absolute and total truth to one question, what question would you ask?
    Who created the universe?
  19. What skill would you like to master?
    Dancing.
  20. What did you think was going to be horrible but turned out to be amazing?
    Lox and Cream cheese on a bagel.