Why did you choose Iowa State? Not growing up in Iowa, I never grew up a Cyclone or Hawkeye fan like so many of my peers. When I started applying to colleges I immediately wanted to go out of state, but when I visited Iowa State I fell in love with the campus. I just immediately knew that I would love to live in Ames.
Why chemistry? I had no idea what I wanted to do when I came to college, but I knew I wanted to be in a science field. I chose biology as a major in the second semester of my freshman year and was required to take general chemistry. I fell in love with the subject, and was immediately attracted to how personal the chemistry staff was. I changed my major after only two weeks of being a biology major and haven’t looked back.
What types of classes are you taking at the moment? I’m taking all upper level chemistry classes, and have six hours of lab a week right now.
What are your favorite classes? My favorite chemistry class that I’ve taken is Instrumental Analysis Lab. My favorite class I’ve taken at Iowa State was World Religions with Professor Eric Northway.
What are you involved in on campus? I am currently in my first semester of research with Professor Tom Holme, and am working at the chemistry department as a secretary.
Any extracirriculars? I play volleyball, work out and enjoy reading.
Have you had any work experiences or internships while at Iowa State? I worked at ACPC Childcare from my second semester until summer 2012. I also worked as a gymnastics coach on campus for a year, and tutored for a year and a half before I found my job at the chemistry department in May 2012. I also started my current internship with Nalco Chemical Company in May 2012, and will continue to hold that position until I graduate. I have truly enjoyed every one of my jobs in Ames for different reasons. I learned quickly that I love working with kids, which reiterated my desire to work in pediatric oncology.
Who is someone you look up to within your major? I look up to lecturer Joe Burnett quite a bit. His lectures in general chemistry were the reason I was so interested in chemistry in the first place as a biology major, and I now have him as an academic advisor.
What advice would you give to someone considering a major in chemistry? I would emphasize that you need to learn how to manage your time early on. The work load required for chemistry is very similar to that of an engineering major, which requires a lot of focus and dedication. And, I would also tell them to start undergraduate research as early as possible.
What has been your most memorable moment at Iowa State University? One of my most memorable moments I have had at Iowa State was when I realized that I considered Ames my home for the first time. I was lucky enough to make amazing friends from the first semester I was here, and Ames quickly became where I felt happiest.