Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences: Major in chemistry with a minor in food science
Future plans? I have a position with Cru, a group I have been heavily involved with as a student, over the summer. I then plan to stay in the Champaign area.
How does it feel to be an Illinois alum? So bittersweet! I have really enjoyed my time here and have learned and grown a lot! But I am excited for what is next.
Major highlight? Undergraduate research, RSOs, and community!
Undergraduate research: I have done undergraduate research with the (Jeffrey) Moore Group for the last two school years and summers. I have learned so much from this experience! On top of research, I have had the opportunities to have my work published, to write an undergraduate thesis, and to present my research to the group. Doing research as a student has been so rewarding and insightful.
Awards: Dean's List Fall 2021, Spring 2024, Fall 2024
Activities and organizations: Cru - a non-denominational Christian fellowship on campus, Organic chemistry tutor, Undergraduate research with the Moore Group. Cru provided me with the best friends I have ever had. The community I have experienced through Cru in college has been life-changing, which has been such a sweet part of school when most things are stressful.
Who has been impactful in your educational journey? Professor (Jordan) Axelson made organic chemistry such a blast! She was an incredibly engaging and creative professor. No one else could make 8 am org so enjoyable. Anna Cramblitt has been my mentor this year in the lab. She has been a huge blessing to me in writing my thesis. She is so wise and fun and I am thankful to have worked with her.
Favorite class? CHEM 232. Everything felt like a puzzle, and it was so interesting, and things became intuitive. It made me feel like a scientist.
Keys to your success? Maintaining community to maintain wellness. We all need friends, especially during a stressful season of life like college. Deep, raw, real friendship is so important, and something I was able to find at Illinois. Diligence. College is a lot of work! It is important to be able to follow regular rhythms in order to keep on track.
What will you miss most? I have loved the education I have received here. My classes were always interesting, and I enjoyed them. My professors were also so helpful and wise, and it was a privilege to learn from them.
Why Illinois? The professors are wonderful, you will learn a ton! There are so many clubs and groups, so there is something for everyone. We have a beautiful campus, and it is always bustling.