Performance Materials Laboratory undergraduate researcher Sam Phillips traveled to Richmond, Virginia this month to present original research at the 2026 National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR), held April 13-15 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in partnership with Virginia Commonwealth University.
Sam’s presentation, titled “Modeling the Transport of Forever Chemicals in the Arctic Ocean,” examined how per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) move through Arctic Ocean systems. The work is part of the PML’s broader research program on PFAS contamination in global ocean environments, which includes an active NSF award focused on Arctic PFAS dynamics. Co-authors on the work include Sholi Arafin and Dr. Roger Tipton.
NCUR is the largest undergraduate research conference in the United States, bringing together thousands of student scholars from institutions across the country and representing every academic discipline. Acceptance to present is competitive and is considered a significant recognition of the quality of student-led research.
The PML extends its congratulations to Sam for representing the lab and UNC Charlotte so well on a national stage. We also extend thanks to Dr. Lance Barton, Dr. Sarah Powell, and Dr. Stephanie Norander for coordinating UNC Charlotte’s participation in NCUR 2026.
Sam’s work at NCUR is a strong example of what undergraduate researchers in the PML are capable of when given access to meaningful scientific problems and the support to pursue them at a high level. We look forward to seeing where this research and his career take him next.