Nathan Bolima
MIT Department: Materials Science and Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Thomas Wallin
Research Supervisor: Xu Liu
Undergraduate Institution: University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Website:
Biography
Nathan Bolima is a rising sophomore and a Meyerhoff Scholar at the University ofMaryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a minor inComputer Science. His primary research interest lies in advanced manufacturing processes, with a focus on exploring how material science and engineering can be used to solve technical problems. Nathan’s passion began with Project Lead the Way, where he was introduced to different engineering fields. Currently, Nathan pursues opportunities to fully integrate himself within his broader community. At UMBC, he holds various leadership roles within NSBE, IEEE, and ASME, where he prioritizes both technical excellence and community support. He volunteers weekly with STEMcX, providing tutoring and mentorship to underrepresented youth in the Baltimore area. As the son of Cameroonian immigrants, Nathan’s upbringing instilled a deep commitment to perseverance, faith, and excellence. These values guide his academic journey and research ambitions. Nathan plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering to advance manufacturing and empower the next generation of Black engineers. He aims to mentor and advocate nationally, working to break down systemic barriers in engineering education and industry. Outside of the classroom, Nathan enjoys spending time with friends, listening to music, and going thrifting.
Abstract
Programmable Ionic Circuitry using Photonically Conductive “Silly Putty”: A Gel Characterization Study
Nathan Bolima1, Xu Liu2, and Thomas Wallin2
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
2Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The ability to have a stretchable and malleable conductor is crucial for creating various soft robots, biological implants, and other flexible devices. Additionally, controlling conductivity within a material opens new possibilities for exploring complex signal processing and advanced computation, resulting in higher functionality. Here, we introduce a photo-ion generator (PIG), a non-ionic photoacid, which, when exposed to a specific wavelength of light, can induce significant changes in ionic conductivity. When this PIG is dissolved in a solvent and combined with a soft elastomer (E > 2 MPa) in the solution, it swells to form a stretchable photoionic gel (PIGel). This opens a new frontier for scientific innovation, and we are interested in exploring how this phenomenon can be optimized. This highlights the importance of photoion generators and their role in controllable conductance. Because mechanical properties and ionic conductivity vary with the creation of a PIGel, the goal of this project is to develop a more effective PIGel through systematic variation of its formulation. From intelligent prosthetics to reconfigurable circuits, this project lays the groundwork for building more responsive, multifunctional systems that seamlessly integrate with the human body and the world around us.
