What research are you doing? I am currently co-advised by Charles Schroeder and Jeffrey Moore. My current project is the investigation of the effects of primary and secondary structure on molecular charge transport of short bioinspired oligomers. We hope that theses fundamental studies on sequence and three-dimensional conformation of peptoids will help us create design guidelines for biocompatible, sequence defined molecules to be used in new bioelectronic devices.
Undergraduate education: I obtained a BS in Chemistry with a concentration in Biochemistry from Duke University in 2021. I was a recipient of the Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship and was a member of the Duke SPIRE Fellows program. In my senior year I was selected as an NSF Graduate Research Fellow. In undergrad I was a math peer facilitator, academic peer advisor, and a chemistry teaching assistant. I was also an assistant director of a program at Duke called Common Ground that was an immersive retreat that facilitated conversations about privilege and identity in the context inequality with a focus on honesty and emotional intelligence.
Hometown: I was born and raised in South Florida to Afro-Caribbean immigrant parents in the lower-middle-class. I was not raised around anyone with a career in science or a PhD. I would not be in a PhD program today if I had not had parents and teachers who actively advocated for me.
How did you discover your passion for chemistry? I discovered that I was interested in science in elementary school. Luckily, I had a teacher who believed in my potential and suggested that I enroll in a Science and Engineering magnet program at a local public middle school. Through that program I was taught about the scientific method and creativity that was required to participate in the scientific process. I was also able to participate in many Ecologically focused field trips piqued my interest in Environmental Science. I entered undergrad with intentions to major in Environmental Science. One of the pre-requisite classes for the Environmental Science major was Chem 101. Up to that point, I had never taken a serious chemistry course and struggled through that first semester. But I came to enjoy the puzzle-like qualities of chemistry and ultimately fell in love with the discipline.
Organizations you are involved in at UIUC:
- I have held a leadership role in UIUC's NOBCChE chapter since my first year of graduate school and currently hold the position of Treasurer. I believe that it is imperative to support organizations that actively help retain and advocate for Black and other historically marginalized students. Far too many marginalized students do not complete their degrees because of lack of institutional support and resources. Within the world of STEM, there is a deficit in conversations around how privilege and identity impact our learning and research. I am committed to facilitating difficult conversations around identity, privilege, and power and I seek to continue these conversations within all STEM communities. NOBCChE gives me the space to be active in this commitment.
- Additionally, over the past two years I have been a leader in the Encouraging Tomorrow's Chemists (ETC) outreach program that presents hands-on chemistry demonstrations at Urbana Middle School. I believe that it is important to expose students to various topics in science at an early age, especially at a school like Urbana Middle School where 73% of the students are from historically marginalized racial/ethnic groups.
- Also, this semester I will be starting as an Outreach Intern at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science & Technology where I will be helping to coordinate and develop Beckman's Outreach programs.
After your PhD? I am uncertain of exactly what I would like to after my PhD degree. But I hope that I can work in scientific communication in some capacity whether it be as a hobby or full-time work. I also have a budding interest in technology transfer.
Any hobbies or activities you enjoy? I enjoy watching video essays and documentaries. I also enjoy cooking, crafting, and reading speculative fiction.
Any advice for undergraduates or prospective graduate students? My advice would be to reflect deeply and find out exactly what you like about chemistry or the scientific process and then pursue a future direction that feeds directly into the things you actually enjoy. Is it reading scientific papers, data analysis, or performing chemical synthesis? Also, I would advise anyone to find a mentor that you can trust that will help you identify your interests and goals and work towards the future you envision. Lastly, if you are a historically marginalized person, the unfortunate reality is that you will have to go out of your way to find resources and people to help you. I would advise you to build community early on and to regularly invest time and effort into maintaining community.