Dr. Kelsey Williams
Bio
Kelsey graduated with a B.S. degree in Chemistry and a B.A. in Studio Art–Textiles from Wheaton College, IL in May 2014. She completed her PhD in Fiber and Polymer Sciences from North Carolina State University under Dr. Nelson Vinueza guidance in 2018.
Kelsey began polymer research as an undergraduate, exploring functionalization of polyelectrolyte multilayer thin films (PEMs) with Buckminster fullerene balls (C60) for application in electron transfer chemistry.
Her project under Dr. Peter Walhout gave her extensive experience in NMR and solvent suppression, as well as troubleshooting software and instrument errors. Kelsey’s graduate research is shifted towards reactive dye extraction and analysis, utilizing mass spectrometry and synthesis of standards to identify reactive dyes and determine levels of degradation. She is fascinated in the textile applications of organic chemistry and is looking to move into high performance textile research and textile finishes.
Currently, Kelsey works at Van Andel Research Institute.