Fellowship Experiences

Carlee Ashley

2011 Truman Fellow

Carlee's research focuses on biodefense and the medical applications of nanomaterials. Specifically, she engineers virus-like particles (VLPs) for use as vaccines and targeted delivery vehicles. Carlee is developing vaccine candidates against the Nipah virus (NiV), a Biosafety Level 4 agent that causes fatal encephalitis in up to 75% of infected humans. She is also developing VLPs that can deliver therapeutic RNAs to endothelial cells and neurons infected with NiV.

Carlee is the first author of several publications, including articles featured on the cover of Nature Materials and ACS Nano. In addition, she is the primary inventor on three pending patent applications. Carlee started as a Truman Fellow in in October 2010 and is being mentored by Dr. Steven Branda and Dr. Anup Singh in Sandia/California's Biotechnology and Bioengineering department.

"I was honored to be offered the Truman Fellowship, and thus far, it has been a wonderful experience. As a Truman Fellow, I have access to world-class facilities and have the pleasure of being mentored by expert virologists, microbiologists, and immunologists. I know of no other program that provides young researchers such unparalled independence and unwavering support. The Truman Fellowship is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

William Chueh

2011 Truman Fellow

William received his Ph.D in materials science from the California Institute of Technology. As a Truman Fellow, he is using x-ray techniques to investigate the surface electrochemistry of oxide catalysts. These novel experiments will improve the fundamental understanding of elevated-temperature fuel cells and solar fuel processes. William's findings will also guide materials design and optimization.

The ability to visualize surface chemistry reactions as they occur has long fascinated scientists. However, because many techniques are confined to lower temperatures and pressures, experimental data under application-relevant conditions has been limited. William is carrying out in-situ electrochemistry experiments to better understand why certain fluorite and perovskite catalysts work so well and how to make them better.

"The ability to work with world-class theorists and experimentalists makes Sandia an ideal place to tackle challenging issues such as energy conversion and storage. Furthermore, the Truman Fellowship allows a high level of scientific independence that is not available in a typical postdoctoral position. I have been able to lead collaborative efforts and interact with leading scientists in my field. No doubt the Fellowship is among the best opportunities for young scientists launching their careers."