Throughout my years doing research, my interests have mainly focused on the development of novel porous materials such as metal-organic frameworks for the targeted adsorption and destruction of toxic threats. Working as a principal investigator, my research expanded into the use of synthetic biology for the development of novel materials and biomanufacturing of critical materiel. While the research aspect of my career has always been important, the development of our current and future STEM workforce has continued to be my passion. Mentoring and STEM Outreach have always played an important role in everything I do. In the past few years I have taken a more active role in developing programs and relationships that help foster the development of our next generation of great scientists.