What is your field of research and why did you choose it?
My general field of research is organic chemistry. I am interested in how molecules react together and how we can use this to build complex structures for specific applications.
Tell us a bit about your career path.
I enjoyed both the theoretical and practical aspects of organic chemistry in college, and pursuing a PhD was a good way to continue doing both. During my PhD, I became fascinated by the chemistry of dyes and how molecules can interact with light, but also enjoyed the research process and decided to pursue a career in academia. After a postdoc focusing on the design of fluorescent dyes for applications in microscopy, I am now starting my research group, and I will continue to make chemical tools to solve problems in biology.
Any advice for students interested in STEM?
Be curious and keep and open mind. It is important to take the time to find what you are really interested in.
If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose?
I would love to meet a pioneer in chemistry such as Dmitri Mendeleev, who created the first version of the periodic table. His understanding of the properties of the elements is the basis of chemistry.