Cody O’Brien

Cody O’Brien, a Florida State University civil and environmental engineering student in the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, researches how architectural materials can use invasive species as an additive, making building materials stronger and mitigating an environmental issue at the same time.

As a member of the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) and an IDEA Grant award winner, he was able to develop and test these ideas further.

O’Brien was drawn to FSU’s vibrant campus life, research and networking opportunities, and location near downtown Tallahassee and the Florida Capitol. He uses his research to engage in the community by advocating for legislation that protects the environment. He serves the Big Bend area by educating young students about the importance of the environment and working with environment-based community service projects.

What attracted you to Florida State University?

Florida State University first drew me in with its vibrant campus and social life. Through its location at Innovation Park, the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering has close connections with research facilities like the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, the High-Performance Materials Institute and the Resilient Infrastructure & Disaster Response Center, which gave me many opportunities to build my engineering and research career. Florida State provides so many opportunities for research to undergraduates, through programs like UROP and the IDEA Grant. There are countless opportunities to build community service experience as well, as I have through the Environmental Service Program and Surfrider. There are also opportunities to work for FSU, as I have at the ACE Learning Studio as a tutor.

What are some of your proudest academic achievements at FSU?

I participated in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, where I worked with FAMU-FSU College of Engineering Professor Sungmoon Jung, a graduate student and two undergraduates to design, create and test clay bricks enhanced with small amounts of algae. We saw an improvement in strength and are working toward a publication.

During the summer of 2024, I completed an IDEA Grant project with Associate Professor Qian Zhang in the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. I performed the first documented extraction of cellulose nanocrystals from the invasive algae species Sargassum muticum, commonly known as Japanese wireweed. I examined these extracts with transmission electron microscopy and other methods and summarized these findings in an article that is pending submission in The Owl, FSU’s undergraduate research journal.

How have you engaged in the Tallahassee and FSU community?

Through the Surfrider Foundation, an environmental organization that works to protect and preserve the world’s oceans, I participated in 2023 Coastal Recreation Hill Day, where we met state lawmakers at the Florida Capitol and discussed key environmental and water-related legislation. The two bills we advocated for passed later that year. Through our work, Floridians can enjoy improved environmental and water protections.

Also, through the Environmental Service Program at FSU, I became involved in numerous environment-related community service projects in the Big Bend area. These projects included invasive species removal, native plant preservation, habitat restoration, beach and park cleanup/maintenance, water monitoring and educational outreach.

I am actively involved in the newly established Astronomy Club at FSU, where we coordinate dark-sky events during significant astronomical occurrences. I enjoy bringing my telescope and being engaged in public outreach initiatives.

How has your research and community service positively impacted students in Tallahassee?

I am optimistic that my discovery in nanocellulose extraction from Sargassum muticum could open the door to more research in finding sustainable uses of invasive plant species. As of this year, there is another student at FSU continuing research on nanocellulose extraction and testing.

One of the more memorable community service projects I participated in was the creation of a native species garden at a school in Wakulla County. Projects like these will help ensure that conservation efforts are passed down through generations.

The post Cody O’Brien appeared first on Florida State University News.