Student wins award for research on colloidal gels

A physics major at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an undergraduate student in the Wisconsin Research Forward Team in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, junior Caleb Youngwerth has been making waves with their research on colloidal gels for battery technology. His work recently earned him the Student Poster Award at the American Physical Society’s Eastern Great Lakes Section (APS-EGLS) Conference—a recognition he describes as both surprising and deeply rewarding.

“When I started at UW-Madison, I didn’t expect to be working on something like this,” Youngwerth reflected. “It’s been challenging, but also incredibly rewarding to see how our research could have real-world applications in improving batteries.”

Let’s take a closer look at his story—his research, his time at UW-Madison, and what this award means to him.

Building a foundation for innovative research on battery electrolytes

Youngwerth began his research journey during his first year at UW-Madison, thanks to a unique opportunity through the honors chemistry sequence. The program introduced him to Conway Assistant Professor Rose Cersonsky and opened doors to research he hadn’t imagined as a first-year student. Initially, his role involved conducting a literature review to build a strong foundation in colloidal gel science and its applications.

Now he’s conducting cutting-edge research on colloidal gels for battery electrolytes along with the Cersonsky Research Group. His project focuses on enhancing battery stability by exploring how gels can improve the performance of liquid electrolytes. This innovative approach addresses long-standing issues in battery design, with implications for renewable energy storage and other advanced technologies. The research primarily involves simulations and modeling to predict how colloidal gels behave over time when used in battery systems. He shared that the steep learning curve of coding and simulations was challenging at first but ultimately rewarding. “When I started, I had very little coding experience, but now it feels like second nature,” he said. “It’s been a transformative experience.” For Youngwerth, the real-world applications are some of the most exciting aspects of this research. “Batteries power so much of our modern life, and improving efficiency and safety could have a major impact.”

By his sophomore year, Youngwerth was a key contributor to the group, working alongside graduate students and taking on substantial projects. He credited his mentor and research group for fostering an environment of collaboration and growth, noting that the group’s unique dynamics have allowed him to take on responsibilities often reserved for graduate students. “I’ve had the chance to lead aspects of our research and present findings, which has been incredible,” he said.

The Sophomore Research Fellowship, which Caleb Youngwerth was awarded last spring, played a pivotal role in advancing his academic and professional development. “The fellowship not only provided financial support but also recognized the value of my work,” he noted. He used some of the funding to attend the APS Eastern Great Lakes Section Conference in October 2024, where he presented his research.

A standout experience at the APS conference

Attending the APS-EGLS Conference, hosted by Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio, was a transformative experience for Youngwerth. He not only had the opportunity to present his work to a diverse audience but also engaged with peers and experts in the field. “Explaining my research to people from various backgrounds—including a high school student who asked me to break it down in simple terms—was both fun and challenging,” he recalled. Winning the Student Poster Award at the conference was an unexpected and proud moment. “It was incredibly validating to see my hard work recognized at this level,” he said.

Throughout the conference, Youngwerth also noticed an underlying theme of “bridging experimental [physics] with simulation and theory.” Youngwerth really connected with this theme since the group’s research is currently based on simulations and they hope to eventually work with an experimental group to test it out.

Beyond the technical sessions, the APS-EGLS coordinated unique experiences after the conference, such as a riverboat cruise and a stargazing party, which Youngwerth described as “a perfect balance of professional and casual interactions.” He also connected with students and faculty from other universities, many of whom shared similar research interests.

Making memories at Madison

Beyond the lab, Youngwerth has embraced the vibrant campus life at UW-Madison. As a member of the marching band playing trumpet, he created unforgettable memories and developed lasting friendships. “Being part of the band has been a great way to balance academics and enjoy campus life,” he said.

When it comes to food, Youngwerth enjoys grabbing a quick lunch from Caracas Arepas, a food truck on State Street. “Before college, I’d never even had an arepa, and now I’m hooked,” he said with a laugh. He also enjoys bonding with his lab group over ice cream, especially during their year-end tradition of bringing Babcock Hall ice cream to the last lab meeting of the semester. His favorite flavor? The classic cookie dough.

When asked about advice for future researchers, Caleb Youngwerth emphasized the importance of persistence and passion and advocates for stepping outside of one’s comfort zone. “Don’t be afraid to dive into research, even if it feels daunting at first. The skills and confidence you gain are worth it,” he said. He also encouraged students to explore different research groups to find the right fit. “Not every group will be the perfect match. You’ll learn so much about what works for you and when you find the right one, it’s an incredible experience.”

Looking ahead

With plans to pursue graduate studies in physics, Caleb Youngwerth is eager to continue his research journey. “This experience has solidified my passion for physics and research,” he shared. “I’m excited to see where this path leads and how I can contribute to advancing technology and understanding in my field.”

Looking back, Caleb Youngwerth expressed gratitude for the opportunities he’s had at UW-Madison. “From the supportive faculty to the vibrant campus community, this university has given me so much,” he said.

We are very proud of Caleb Youngwerth’s accomplishments and look forward to his future successes. His story is a testament to the transformative power of curiosity, hard work, and the supportive community at UW-Madison.