Qasim Sikander in cap and gown outdoors on the UIUC campus with trees in background
BS, chemistry (highest distinction)

Activities: Chess club, oSTEM (out in STEM), Alternative Protein research committee

Awards: Algernon DeWaters Gorman Memorial Prize in Chemistry for scholarly work in chemistry; and Illinois Promise Scholar with distinction

Future: Work in the Chemistry Learning Center on the UIUC campus in the 2023-24 academic year as a Chemistry Learning Center Specialist. I'll ensure the general chemistry students get the help they need, and I hope to develop organic chemistry teaching materials as well. During this gap year, I'll be applying to medical school.

Undergrad highlight: I'm really happy about all the friends and connections I've made at UIUC, especially as a Teaching Assistant. I've made close friends with many other TAs, and the professors I worked with have helped me make the best of my time here. I remember how nervous I was going into my first section, but I always enjoyed teaching since then. It was always a nice break from tough classes!

You are an Illinois alum! It feels amazing, and I'm so glad I'll be able to share the moment with my loved ones! I put in a lot of work to get this far, and I'm excited to see what more is in store for me (hopefully med school).

Why Illinois? UIUC has a place for all of us. I found several groups where I felt at home, and I made friends with people from diverse backgrounds and interests. There are countless labs on campus for research-oriented folks, and professors are often willing to help undergraduates take on independent projects. Also, the campus is really pretty! 

Undergraduate Research (Chan lab; mentor was Amanda East): My research involved a lot of chemical synthesis, and it was difficult for me to come to terms with how much failure might be required before a set of reactions works. However, my mentor really helped me improve my skills. My self-confidence and critical thinking really benefitted from being in the lab. As weird as it might sound, the lab also became a safe space for me where I would frequently retreat to get some work done or take a quick break.