About Me
I am an R&D scientist with dual degrees in chemistry and astronomy. With over eight years of laboratory and observatory time, I have had the opportunity to participate in innovative multidisciplinary research, both in academia and in industry. As an aspiring Polar Researcher, I hope to apply my expertise to NSF-funded scientific efforts in the Arctic and Antarctic.
Technical Specialties
Analytical Chemistry
With over eight years of experience in academic and industrial laboratories, I have accumulated a variety of technical testing abilities from spectroscopy to calorimetry.
Observational Astrophysics
While working with four observatories, I have gained the ability to collect and process astrophysical data using many different telescopes, software packages, and coding languages.
Bachelor of Science – Chemistry
Minor in Mathematics
Advisor – Dr. Wendy Cory
May 2024
Bachelor of Arts – Astronomy
Research Advisor – Dr. Laura Penny
May 2024
Professional Experience
Milliken & Company
2025 – Present
R&D Technical Laboratory Technician
GEL Laboratories
2023 – 2024
Organic Soil Extraction Prep Analyst
University of SC Upstate
2017-2022
Supplemental Instructor & Tutor
The Boeing Observatory –
South Carolina State Museum
2025-2026
Volunteer Astronomy Educator
Charles E. Daniel Observatory
Roper Mountain Science Center
Summer 2022
Observatory Intern
Research
Chemical Industry
“Development, Production, and Quality Control of Non-halogenated, PFAS Free Flame-Resistant Textiles” – Dr. Shulong Li
Stellar Astrophysics
“Determining Rotational Velocities for O and B Type Stars in the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds” – Dr. Laura Penny
Planetary Astronomy
“Full Color BVR Imaging of Jupiter and Saturn using Lucky Imaging Methods” – Dr. George Chartas
Professional Affiliations
Recent Endeavors
IAFF President Tours Milliken Headquarters
On the morning of May 20th, President Edward A.[…]
South American Observatory Visits
I had the exciting opportunity to visit three state-of-the-art[…]
Southern Patagonia Winter Expedition
As part of my trip to South America, I[…]
Milliken Research Receives Citizenship Award
“Citizenship award presented to Milliken & Company by the SC State Firefighters’[…]
Arctic Circle Visit
In the summer of 2023, I was able to[…]
Let’s Talk
Phone: +1 (864) 907-7507
Email: me@daltonlucas.com