The Graduate College Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Office at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign hosts a Summer Predoctoral Institute (SPI) each summer. SPI is an 8-week orientation and research experience for incoming graduate students. As a Research Group Leader (RGL) I am responsible for assisting a group of approximately eight SPI participants with their summer work and assignments, in addition to other academic or program-related needs. I support the students through close interactions in one-on-one and small group meetings where I teach, advise, and facilitate conversations to serve as a foundation for future coursework and research as SPI fellows acclimate to graduate school.

- Alfred P. Sloan UCEM Scholar- Graduate College FellowGraduate student advised by Dr. Paul Braun studying light-ion interactions for the enhancement of ionic conductivity in solid electrolytes for solid-state batteries.

In the lab of Dr. Bryce Sadtler in the Chemistry Department, I am working on the electrochemical synthesis of metastable semiconductor species.

Aiding in the writing and editing of research papers to be published from Dr. Julio D'Arcy's laboratory in the Department of Chemistry at Washington University.

As a fellow in the Thermal Management Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at Washington University, I am participating in research in Dr. Damena Agonafer's Nanoscale Energy and Interfacial Transport (NEIT) Lab, specifically working with Phase Change Materials.

Independently proctoring weekly quizzes and co-proctoring monthly exams for General Chemistry students with varying lengths of extended test-taking time through the Office of Disability Resources.

I assist in racial equity strategy consulting for the Missouri Energy Efficiency for All coalition through regular attendance at meetings, as well as through the planning and facilitating of racial equity-centered workshops.

Research Assistant in the laboratory of Dr. Rachel Penczykowski, focused on disease ecology.

Internship opportunity in the Monitoring & Research Department’s Analytical Laboratory. Worked directly with Environmental Chemists in an Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) accredited laboratory analyzing samples following standard operating procedures. Learned how to perform Biochemical Oxygen Demand nutrient analyses and mercury analyses (in which a Demonstration of Capabilities (DOCs) certification was received).