How did you get started in the field of Analytical Chemistry?
I originally wanted to do research that would generate knowledge doctors could use to improve patient care. I assumed that meant I needed to be a biologist, until a mentor helped me understand that chemists—especially analytical chemists—do critical health-related research. As a freshman, I fell in love with analytical chemistry while working in a lab that developed separation techniques for drug enantiomers. Although I explored other subfields of chemistry, I kept returning to analytical chemistry because many of my questions centered on analytical methodology. I came to see analytical chemistry as foundational; it underpins much of the research that pushes science and medicine forward.
What makes your current position exciting and unique?
In my current role, I support federal investments in advanced manufacturing. In the lab, you may understand the potential applications of your work, but you rarely get to see how a technology matures as it moves through different stages of readiness. While I’m no longer developing the technology myself, I now support large consortia working to prototype, scale, and prepare technologies and technical processes for commercialization in the U.S. What excites me most is seeing how technological development translates into real societal impact and how we prepare the workforce to engage with these emerging technologies.
What advice do you give to young scientists beginning their careers in Analytical Chemistry?
Analytical chemistry is highly collaborative, often requiring you to work across disciplines. Learning how to communicate your science clearly to people with different backgrounds—and helping them understand why your work matters—is an essential skill. Don’t discount experiences you don’t enjoy; it’s just as important to learn what doesn’t bring you joy as it is to find what does. Always ask questions; you’re never expected to know everything, and there’s no need to reinvent the wheel when someone else can help.
What are your interests outside of science?
I enjoy photography as a creative outlet and a way to slow down and see the world differently. I’m also deeply interested in helping kids understand that they are needed in the STEM enterprise, even if they don’t see themselves becoming scientists. We still need lawyers, accountants, illustrators, writers, and so many others to support scientific advancements. Making STEM feel accessible and relevant is something I care a lot about. And, somewhat unexpectedly, I’m a fan of the video game Splatoon.
What do you envision for the field of Analytical Chemistry in the future?
I see artificial intelligence and machine learning playing an increasingly important role in interpreting datasets far larger than we can currently manage, enabling major advances in healthcare such as personalized medicine and real-time diagnostics. These tools will allow analytical chemists to extract deeper insights faster and more efficiently for many applications. I also envision continued miniaturization of analytical technologies, enabling real-time, on-site analysis and detection.
