Scholar Profile

Voted Most Likely To:

Graduated:
Rice University, Class of 2000

Currently Working As:
Associate Professor, University of California, Riverside

What do you love about your job?
There are many things that I enjoy about my career. My job is never the same from day to day, and new challenges keep it interesting. I also enjoy teaching students, being part of a scientific community, and the freedom to explore my research interests. But the best part - albeit rare - is when an experiment finally works and we discover something new.

What has been the most exciting part of your career so far?

What would you tell yourself at age 18?
Buy stock in Apple. That, and develop a habit of being very well-organized.

How has ACS Scholars impacted your life and career?
ACS Scholars provided financial support that helped make my undergraduate education possible. While an undergraduate, I had a formative research experience that shaped the direction of my entire career. I was fortunate to have support from ACS Scholars, and consequently I have sought to enhance the recruitment and retention of minority students in scientific careers by providing research opportunities in my lab and initiating a career development program.