Scholar Profile

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Makeda Tekle-Smith

Voted Most Likely To:
Push boundaries

Graduated:
Pomona College, Class of 2014

Currently Working As:
Graduate Student, Columbia University

What do you love about your job?
I love chemistry because I get to tackle complex problems in new and creative ways. I also enjoy being able to share what I have learned, whether it is to a class of children just beginning to learn about science, or to my fellow colleagues.

What has been the most exciting part of your career so far?
The most exciting part of graduate school for me has been that breakthrough moment when you finally solve a problem that you have been working on for a long time.

What would you tell yourself at age 18?
Have confidence that you are on the right path no matter how tough it gets, or how many failures you have to endure.

How has ACS Scholars impacted your life and career?
ACS Scholars has absolutely impacted my life. It provided financial assistance to help me attend and complete college. Just as importantly, ACS Scholars gave me the encouragement and confidence to pursue chemistry in college and beyond. The mentoring I received as an ACS Scholar is also a major reason why I am in graduate school today.