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What research are you doing? As a member of the Braun group and the Photo-Ionics IRG within the Illinois MRSEC, my research focuses on light-ion interactions in solid-state battery materials. This work is important for finding precise and contactless methods for improving the ionic conductivity of solid-state ion conductors that can be used in batteries or other electrochemical cells.

What were you looking for in a research group? I chose the Braun group for the opportunity to work on battery research and the photo-ionics project, but also for the lab culture. Most students in the group are collaborative, easy to talk to, and learn a lot from each other. I like the birthday celebrations we have in the group. I like working in ESB, which is connected to MRL and allows quick access to MRL instruments and facilities. 

Undergraduate education: I graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in Chemistry. I participated in a long list of extracurriculars but one of my favorites was the 2019 Undergraduate Research Symposium. I presented a survey research project about Black students' perspectives on environmentalism, as well as sustainability-focused student groups' perspectives on racial diversity within the environmental movement.   

Hometown:  I grew up in the south suburbs of Chicago and graduated from Homewood-Flossmoor High school.

Influential mentors? At WashU, my first research advisor was Dr. Rachel Penczykowski, and I'm still in contact with her. The time that I spent in her group was instrumental in putting me on the path to pursue graduate research. Dr. Bryce Sadtler was my major advisor and my last research advisor before graduation, and he and his group also played an important role in my decision to apply to PhD programs.

How did you discover your passion for chemistry? I have enjoyed science since my elementary and middle school science fairs. I won the district-wide science fair when I was in eighth grade. I developed an appreciation specifically for chemistry in my high school honors and AP chemistry classes. I liked that chemistry felt like a story - each topic that we learned was the basis from which we could learn and understand the next topic.

What organizations are you involved in at UIUC? I am one of the communications chairs for NOBCChE, as well as a grad student volunteer coordinator for the St. Elmo Brady Academy (SEBA). SEBA does outreach 1-2 times a month at a local elementary school performing mini-experiments and demos with the 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. That outreach has been one of the highlights of my PhD experience so far.  I am also a member of the Champaign-Urbana Alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Over the summer, I was a group leader and advertising coordinator for the Women Chemists Committee's "Bonding with Chemistry" Day Camp for Kids. That was also a lot of fun.

After your PhD? I want to continue doing research related to energy storage, especially storage for renewables. I would love to be able to do that kind of work in one of the DOE national labs. 

Favorite way to take a break? Those who know me well know that I rarely stay in the Champaign-Urbana area for too long without a weekend road trip to see my family in the Chicago suburbs or my friends in St. Louis.

Any hobbies or activities you enjoy? The biggest one is travel. I love to see new places and attending conferences has been a great opportunity for doing that while in school.

Any advice for undergraduates or prospective graduate students? Take the time to really understand yourself. Science is never easy, but it feels a little bit easier when you do work that you are genuinely interested in and passionate about. Knowing yourself well will also help you to build the habits, routines, and frameworks of thought that are essential for your growth and overall success.