Getting to know Alayna Johnson

Date
11/01/18

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Name: Alayna Johnson

Year: Junior

Hometown: Minneapolis, MN

Why Illinois? I actually enrolled at Illinois because of its highly-rated physics program, but I quickly realized I was more suited for the chemistry curriculum; what I especially like is that chemistry majors take a different sequence of courses than chemistry minors and other students, so we're in smaller, more rigorous classes with equally passionate students. Chemistry at Illinois was certainly not my plan, but I really feel like it's exactly where I belong.

Research Interest: Polymer chemistry and organic chemistry

Favorite thing about campus? The chemistry library

Recommended book: A Clockwork Orange

Favorite professor or staff member? There's so many! Steve Zimmerman, George Gollin, So Hirata, Josh Vura-Weis...I could keep going.

Secret to college success: Rewrite and re-think your notes after every lecture. This cements the information in your mind!

Plans after graduation: Graduate studies in polymer chemistry

Go-to snack in a time crunch: Ben and Jerry's vegan ice cream

Something about you no one would guess: I have a black belt in Kung Fu

 

 

 

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