Scholar Profile

Voted Most Likely To:

Graduated:
Saginaw Valley State University, Class of 2012

Currently Working As:
Research Fellow, University of Warwick

What do you love about your job?
I thoroughly enjoy learning the science of electrochemistry - it's great to love what you do. Science peeks my curiosity and I love a good experiment to answer questions about chemistry. While my PhD was largely fundamental studies (which I love dearly), I am thrilled my postdoc is giving me the chance to work on a project with direct societal impacts and industry collaborators that are keen to see the technology grow. Also, I'm constantly learning and I like that!

What has been the most exciting part of your career so far?
By and far the most exciting part of my career has been the opportunities to travel and study/work abroad. Science jobs have taken me from Mexico to Australia to the UK and scientific conferences have taken me from coast to coast in the USA. I enjoy the mobility that the sciences offer and I look forward to where they may take me in the future.

What would you tell yourself at age 18?
In science networking is key, hard work pays off, and tangential side projects can be important! Also, travel more to discover your passions in life. Get outside (outdoors) more because I spent way too much time in my youth playing video games when I could have been camping, hiking, kayaking, and seeing the natural world.

How has ACS Scholars impacted your life and career?
I am certain I would not be where I am today if it had not been for the great mentoring and financial support I received through the ACS Scholars program. Receiving this scholarship gave me proof that science could be my future and it encouraged me to pursue the chemical sciences beyond what I originally planned. It really was a critical point in my life and career, and I am forever thankful for the support and encouragement the ACS Scholars program provided.