Giving back and connecting to the community

The spirit of the Illinois community 

When I was visiting the University of Illinois campus for the first time, my family and I decided to visit the graduate quad. At the time, I had a big interest in nano-engineering (I still do), and we heard that there was a building dedicated to nanotechnology. Walking into the north quad, already feeling jittery, and observing the Beckman institute felt as if I was walking into the Emerald city in Wizard of Oz. My family and I were on a mission to find the nanotechnology building. Finally arriving, and without permission, my family roamed around the halls of the micro and nanotechnology lab building, making sure not to disturb anyone. But we weren’t as sneaky as we thought. Turning a corner, we heard a professor’s voice. “Do ya’ll need some help finding something?” the voice asked cautiously. “Uh… I’m an admitted student and I’m very curious about the research happening on campus,” I nervously replied. I did research in high school and I was determined to continue in college. The professor nodded and motioned us to come closer. “Come with me to my office, we can have a chat, and afterwards I’ll show ya’ll around.” I followed the professor with relief. I didn’t want to get in trouble for entering a building before I even started attending the University.

We ended up talking for a half an hour about what type of research he performs as well as some tips on how to be successful in college. To be honest, I was too enthralled to capture the entire conversion. But the one thing did stick with me. “If you ever feel defeated, unaccomplished, overwhelmed, come back to this office and I’ll straighten you back in line,” we all laughed. After taking a tour of his clean room labs, meeting a couple of graduate students, and having a warm conversion, I knew that attending the University of Illinois was going to be the right choice. I was feeling more confidence in my decision and excited for the next four years to come.

One goal that I set out to myself as I became an upperclassman was to pass on useful tips and information to underclassmen. To pursue this goal, I became a School of Chemical Sciences (SCS) student leader and advisor. Becoming a SCS student leader during the pandemic made my job even more significant by trying to gain more engagement through virtual connections. I strategized with four other leaders on how we could provide more interactive content virtually. I also presented to 15 prospective students about my experience as a chemical engineer at UIUC. At the same time, I hosted workshops to current SCS students about developing study skills, experiential learning including research and study abroad, class registration, and wellness during exams. Although there are no metrics on how many people I reach with my monthly blog posts, I hope to have inspired at least one student that might be in the same position as I was as an underclassman.

It has been so rewarding to work with and inspire the next generation of students to pursue a future in science. Growing up in the suburbs of New York, I had access to a variety of academic opportunities that I did not recognize were privileges until working with people from rural locations.
To gain a broader perspective, I became a leader in Reaching and Educating America’s Chemists of Tomorrow (REACT), where I showcased chemical reactions to local primary school students. I strove to excite the students and their parents alike about science with flashy reactions. I worked with all types of families that made me notice how challenging it is to grasp onto a scientific idea. These experiences pushed me as an engineer to easily adapt to a situation so everyone in the room understands the abstract concepts and can create them. Over my past 4 years at UIUC, I participated in the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE). My most impactful contribution was leading a team of five in the philanthropy committee. I organized an Agora 2020 class presentation on worldwide usage, recovery, and purification of water. I also helped recruit volunteers to serve free meals at Jubilee Cafe at the Community United Church of Christ. By interacting with the people I served from the local community, I better understood their struggle with food insecurity and the connection to the bigger issues of poverty in the U.S. It further motivated me to negotiate deals with local restaurants, where a percentage of the proceeds went to a local charity. I believe it is crucial to become a part of your community - not only by volunteering but also by participating in it. By volunteering at the local church, I now feel more connected with the community. It was such a fruitful experience that I plan to continue participating in whichever community I move to.

Make the most of your opportunites 
In high school, I was part of a biophysical research group, and I knew I wanted to continue research in college. I was browsing around different topics when I came across the Hutchens Group, who is motivated to synthesize plant inspired polymers. I was intrigued to pursue this research not only from the lessons I teach to students about sustainability in chemistry through REACT, but also after observing how Europeans act with water consumption and emphasis on obtaining locally sourced food through studying abroad. Joining the Hutchens’ group has been such a valuable experience. I noticed myself thinking more critically, learning to understand technical writing, enhancing my presenting and writing skills, and developing an interest in a new field. My research focuses on synthesizing and characterizing plant-inspired soft polymer actuators designed to be used in therapeutic applications, osmotically active machines, and water relation input models. This research could also potentially replace hydrogel technology in the medical devices field. I presented my findings at three UIUC symposiums and an Illinois state conference showcasing my technical excellence in research. Being able to converse with graduate students and experts at the conference affirmed my desire to lead the forefront of research. As a result, I was presented both the Wolfram|Alpha and Women Chemists Committee awards for an outstanding presentation at the state conference. This spring, I will also participate in the Undergraduate Research Symposium, Engineering Research Fair, and Chemical Engineering Departmental Symposium to further share my research.

Advice I would give to an incoming student is that (1) you’ll realize that there are so many opportunities that the university provides. Look for them now and follow them! There are so many certificate programs that you can explore and pursue. I’m currently pursuing the leadership certificate (LCP), but I wish I had found out about it sooner! (2) Study abroad (when it’s less hectic in the world), and absorb as much as you can there. You’ll not only broaden your horizons but also make lifelong friendships. (3) Relax by practicing your hobbies. Hobbies are important and what makes you unique; don’t neglect them. Nothing is more important than your health. In the long term, what you’re anxious and stressed out about as a Freshman will pass and you probably won’t even remember.