I am currently a junior chemistry major beginning my second year researching in the group with Delia Popescu. My research involves two distinct aspects of using Fe-TAML catalysts. One project involves trying to altering and characterizing axial ligand changes of one of the catalyst. My other project focuses on the degradation of a popular synthetic antimicrobial/antibacterial additive which is growingly prevalent in the water supply. I have always had a great interest in preserving the environment, and developing environmentally benign technologies to replace the conventional, polluting ones, that have been accepted for far too long.
Other than chemistry, I love to spend my time reading anything interesting (preferably non-fiction). Over the past few years I have picked up knitting and learning to play the guitar, so I practice those as often as I can. I also enjoy cooking what ever my heart, or stomach, desires and eating as many new foods as possible. Traveling around is always a pleasure because you always get at least one good story from every trip. I also like to explain to people that the phrase “Don’t Mess with Texas” is actually a state-wide anti-littering campaign, not a statement of superiority or aggression.