What is the best thing about being part of the NESCAC?
I think the best part about playing in the NESCAC is both the strength of the competition and the devotion to academics that is reflected in each team in the conference. Playing in the NESCAC has given me the opportunity to continue to play my sport competitively while also being able to double major, study abroad, and write a thesis.
What is your dream job/career?
While I don’t know exactly what my dream career may look like, I do know that I want to be involved in chemistry research that has the potential to be impactful in our society. My ideal field of research would investigate ways in which chemistry can be used to tackle climate change and sustainability questions.
Looking back on your four years, what are you most proud of?
I am most proud of how much I have really discovered things I am passionate about during my four years at Amherst. Whether it be research topics or random hobbies, I feel that I have had the opportunity to really discover what I enjoy doing with my time.
Who is your favorite professor?
While I don’t think that I could possibly choose a favorite professor, I can say that every professor in the Chemistry Department has had a very impactful role on my experience here at Amherst. They all genuinely care about each student and will go out of their way to get to know you and help you in any way possible. Looking back, I am so thankful to have such a supportive and caring group of professors/mentors to guide me to discovering my interests and passions.
Have you studied abroad during your collegiate experience?
During the fall semester of my junior year, I studied abroad in Santiago, Chile. The goal was to have a cultural and linguistic immersion experience and take classes in history and literature at Universidad de Chile. However, these plans were interrupted by a social movement and months of protests that began about halfway through the semester. I ended up transitioning to independent research projects on the history of social movements in Chile, the comparison of foreign language education in Chile and the United States, and the experiences of women in STEM in Chile. While it was definitely not the study abroad experience that I expected when I traveled there, I ended up learning so much more about the country and the culture than I could have hoped for.
What internships/research projects have you participated in?
I have worked as a student researcher in a Chemistry Lab at Amherst since the fall of my sophomore year, conducting research primarily on the development of methods to conduct polymerization reactions in open air to make the creation of biodegradable polymers more accessible for labs that are not typically equipped for polymer research. Having the opportunity to work on this research has opened my eyes to the world of research and sparked my passion for pursuing a research career in chemistry in the future.
I also had the unique opportunity to work briefly as an English language assistant for elementary school students at a local school in Chile during my semester abroad. I was only able to volunteer a couple of times before schools were shut down due to protests, but the experience really opened my eyes to the ways in which second language education is approached, both in the United States and abroad. Wanting to continue along a similar path once returning from Chile, I worked with the Mead Art Museum on the Amherst campus for my Spanish senior capstone project and developed educational resources that utilize art in teaching Spanish to elementary school students in a bilingual immersion program in Amherst.
What has been the most interesting part of your major?
In chemistry, working in a research lab and writing a thesis have definitely been some of the highlights of my learning experience and inspired me to continue research after graduating. For my Spanish major, I have had the opportunity to conduct an independent research project on the experience of women in STEM careers in Chile, create a short documentary highlighting the role that women have played in social movements in Chile, and study and work with young students in second language acquisition. It has been amazing to have these unique experiences allowing me to follow my passions within my coursework in both chemistry and Spanish.
What is the greatest lesson you have learned from being a student-athlete?
I think one important thing that being a student-athlete has taught me is the importance of mutual accountability and how this can extend beyond the athletic environment. Being on a team has taught me that you have to really own your actions and see how it impacts not only yourself but all those around you as well, which is something I think is important to carry on beyond athletics.
What advice would your 2021 self give your 2017 self?
I would tell myself to live more in the moment! This past year has shown me that things can change unexpectedly and there’s nothing we can do about it. Even when it seems like everything is going wrong there is always something to learn or new and unique opportunities to pursue.
What is your favorite place on your campus?
Any place that I can get a good sunset or sunrise view! I especially love watching the sunsets from Memorial Hill, our field, or the roof of the octagon.
Who has been the most influential person on you during your time in college?
The most influential person for me during my time in college, and during my entire life, has been my older sister, Bailey. She is always the first person I look to for advice or to share something exciting that has happened, and I know that I can turn to her with anything. She has definitely been my greatest role model and mentor and I am very grateful to have had her by my side at Amherst for my first three years here.
