Harvesting Light

Paul Jang is part of research team whose discoveries may lead to a light-harvesting antenna that will make solar energy systems more efficient.

"Solar energy now is only about ten percent efficient when compared to nature's ability to convert energy. We want to increase solar energy conversion."

Jang's interest began in a chemistry class under Dr. John Papanikolas, so the chemistry major asked Papanikolas for a job working in his laboratory. Two years later, the senior is an integral part of a research team of students and faculty examining molecular assemblies that could be used in future solar energy conversion devices. "This is real-life research," Jang said. "And it's an opportunity that a lot of people won't have. North Carolina is so fortunate to have a school like Carolina carrying out world-class research that directly affects our lives."

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