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Megan Murphy in cap and gown in front of Noyes entrance
BS, Chemistry (Specialized Curriculum)

Awards: Carl S. Marvel Award for excellence in undergraduate research

Future: Pursuing PhD in polymeric materials chemistry at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Activities: President, American Chemical Society UIUC Student Chapter

Undergrad highlight: Serving as president of the ACS UIUC Student Chapter for two years. This opportunity allowed me to lead a tight-knit community of young chemists while facilitating members’ career development and fostering excitement for chemistry through community outreach.

You are an Illinois alum! I feel extremely proud of what I have accomplished at UIUC and well-prepared for the next phase of my life in graduate school.

Why Illinois? The Department of Chemistry fosters an inclusive and supportive environment and strives for the academic, professional, and personal success of its students. There are plentiful opportunities for participating in undergraduate research, gaining leadership experience, and building meaningful relationships with other students.

Undergraduate research (Moore group)Participating in undergraduate research was the best decision of my four years at UIUC. Because of undergraduate research, I learned critical thinking and laboratory skills that prepared me for courses, an internship, and graduate school; shared research at national and regional research conferences; and gained lifelong mentors.