PhD Candidate in Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles
What three words would you use to describe L&C?
Welcoming, Mellow, Home
Life After L&C
August 2022 Update
What have you been doing since graduation?
After graduating from L&C, I moved to Los Angeles. I am attending UCLA to obtain my PhD in chemistry!
How did Lewis & Clark prepare you for graduate school?
So many people at L&C have helped me get to where I am now. My professors have given me the tools and the foundation to succeed in grad school and beyond. My baseball coaches have taught me how to deal with adversity and to always put my best effort forward. My friends have taught me the importance of living life to the fullest and to appreciate the little things.
What would you say is the most important thing you learned at Lewis & Clark?
The most important thing I learned at L&C is perspective. I learned to think about problems and communicate with others through a different lens.
How do you stay connected to Lewis & Clark as an alum?
I enjoy following L&C sports and attending the baseball alumni weekend!
Have you been to Alumni Weekend or other programming, like Homecoming, etc.? What did you enjoy about the event(s)?
I have not yet had the opportunity to attend some of the other alumni programming, but I hope to go to more events in the future.
Life at L&C
What’s your favorite class? How has it expanded your knowledge?
My favorite class was organic chemistry with Louis Kuo and Casey Jones. There is an inherent beauty in understanding how different molecules behave and come together to synthesize new molecules. My experience in organic chemistry at Lewis and Clark has really allowed me to appreciate this beauty.
Who is your mentor on campus? Why do you consider this person your mentor?
I would consider Professor Kuo to be my mentor because he is the first professor on campus that I met, and he encouraged me to pursue a chemistry major. However, I have to acknowledge the professors in the math and chemistry departments, all of whom have been a tremendous help in my academic career so far.
What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?
I wanted to come to Lewis in Clark to continue to play the sport I love. When I saw the incredible campus and interacted with some of the faculty, choosing Lewis & Clark was a no-brainer.
Why do you choose to play baseball at a DIII school? How do you balance athletics and academics?
A DIII school was the best option for me because I knew that my coaches would allow me to prioritize academics. In order to help me balance school and baseball, I do my best to plan out when and where I will do homework so that I can stay ahead of my schedule. There are weeks which are particularly stressful, so I remind myself to breathe and take it one day at a time.
What advice do you have for prospective students?
Make mistakes, talk in class, respect your peers and professors, and most importantly, have fun!
