Clara Chaves Azevedo

Featured project | Spring 2024

Clara Chaves Azevedo has always wanted to be a civil engineer. She spent much of her childhood creating mockups and building houses in video games. Now at ASU, she is conducting research to reduce the toxicity of promising perovskite materials to implement solar energy generation on windows. The civil engineering first-year student is working with faculty mentor Nick Rolston, an assistant professor of electrical engineering, in the FURI program.

What made you want to get involved in FURI?

I have always dreamed of being able to have an impact, and this program provides me with the perfect opportunities to do so.

Why did you choose the project you’re working on?

I first found out about the research through a GCSP Slack chat. As soon as I read what the research was about, I immediately knew that I wanted to be a part of their team. Not only is the project extremely interesting, but it also poses an incredible solution and alternative to ease the gathering of solar energy.

How will your engineering research project impact the world?

The project as a whole is a new opportunity to collect more solar energy and make it more accessible. Solar energy is clean and cheap; therefore, it will positively impact how society gathers energy and reduces the use of sources that harm the environment. My specific research is to find an even more sustainable solution. Instead of using lead to produce the panels, I propose using tin, making it a less toxic option.

What has been your most memorable experience as a student researcher in this program? Did you have a particular “aha!” moment during your project?

My most memorable experience was being able to see what my samples actually looked like under a microscope. It was fascinating to see how something that looks so simple to the naked eye can appear so complex and beautiful under a microscope.

How do you see this experience helping with your career or advanced degree goals?

As a civil engineer with a focus on sustainability, my ambition is to harmoniously integrate the principles of environmental consciousness and engineering expertise to construct homes that minimize adverse impacts on our planet.

In addition to the intrinsic value of engaging in research, I find that the experience enriches my skill set by fostering creativity, honing research capabilities and refining my communication aptitude, among other things.

Furthermore, I am particularly enthralled by the prospect of incorporating solar panel windows into residential construction, as it represents a tangible manifestation of my commitment to sustainable innovation and architectural excellence.

What is the best advice you’ve gotten from your faculty mentor?

The best advice I received from my faculty mentor was the encouragement to cease dependence on external sources and cultivate self-reliance in the pursuit of research. This guidance served as stimulation for self-reflection, prompting a realization of the necessity to bolster my confidence and assume greater autonomy in academic pursuits. Consequently, I have come to appreciate the imperative of taking decisive action and assuming ownership of my research.

Why should other students get involved in FURI?

I believe that every student should engage in research because it serves as a departure from the confines of familiarity. In the realm of research, individuals are not merely recipients of knowledge; rather, they are tasked with the pursuit of discovery. This program in particular holds significant intrigue by offering an opportunity to immerse yourself in practical applications, as opposed to purely theoretical pursuits.

Thus far, my engagement in research has proven to be the most gratifying experience during my time at ASU. It instills in me a sense of motivation and purpose, driving me toward continued exploration and advancement in my academic journey.