What drew you to chemical engineering?

I didn't know which scientific discipline to pursue. After persevering four and a half years in community college, I completed the lower division requirements for nearly all degrees that have a science affiliation. With such a diverse academic background, chemical engineering is the subject I hold dearest due to its level of cross disciplinary collaboration.

How has being in the MARC program contributed to your budding career?

The MARC program has allowed me to transcend financial and social barriers and really has been the foundation to my success as a researcher and student. Before joining MARC, I was curious about graduate school, and I didn’t know if it was right for me. MARC catalyzed my decision to attend graduate school by giving me the opportunity to full immerse myself in the scientific community by conducting research, attending conferences, hosting professional development workshops, and building my social and professional network. Because of MARC, I was able to discover a passion for research and uncovering nature’s secrets.

What has been your favorite opportunity as a MARC scholar?

During my second summer as a sponsored MARC scholar, I was fortunate to be a part of the Stanford Summer Research Program. Here, I was able to grow as a scientist by experiencing research from a different angle in a new lab. I learned new lab techniques, built my network, explored a new area, and made lifelong friends. This experience expanded my knowledge of omics technologies, which in turn helped my home lab’s research at UCSB.

What do you do in your free time?

During my time as an undergraduate researcher and chemical engineering student, I have learned not to take free time for granted. I enjoy enriching activities such as building relationships with friends, cooking, learning French, and physical activities. UCSB is a vibrant community, so there is always an interesting workshop or seminar to attend.