If someone had asked me early in my academic journey where I saw myself in five years, I likely would have said working in the pharmaceutical industry. As a graduate student in organic chemistry, my plan seemed clear: complete my master’s degree, build on my years of experience as an R&D expert, and return to the industry I knew well. However, as I progressed in my studies, I discovered a passion for teaching and research that completely redefined my path.
When I joined Dr. Graham Bodwell’s research group at Memorial University of Newfoundland, my focus was on synthesizing bent and curvy polyaromatic hydrocarbons—complex molecules with fascinating properties. I found the research deeply engaging and viewed it as a stepping stone toward enhancing my qualifications for industry roles. Then, an opportunity came along that unexpectedly changed everything.
A friend who was tutoring Organic Chemistry II needed someone to take over her sessions. Teaching undergraduates hadn’t been part of my original plan, but I decided to give it a try. My first session was nerve-wracking; facing a room of students who often see organic chemistry as one of the most challenging courses was daunting. I decided to be transparent with them, admitting, “This is my first time teaching, so let’s work through this together.” Their positive response and engagement surprised me and gave me the confidence to explore new ways to connect with them.
As the semester progressed, I began incorporating my lifelong love of art into my lessons. Using drawings and animations, I found creative ways to explain challenging concepts. The students’ enthusiasm, improved understanding, and thoughtful feedback inspired me. By the end of the semester, I realized that teaching wasn’t just something I enjoyed—it was something I felt passionate about.
Encouraged by my husband and driven by this newfound passion, I decided to reevaluate my goals. Could I combine my love for teaching with my enthusiasm for organic chemistry research? After careful consideration, I approached Dr. Bodwell about switching from a master’s to a PhD program. His trust and support made the transition smooth, and with this change, my focus shifted from returning to industry to pursuing a career in academia.
This shift opened doors I hadn’t anticipated. My artistic side caught the attention of Dr. Yuming Zhao, who was writing his book, Organic Nanochemistry. He invited me to design the book’s cover, providing an exciting opportunity to blend my artistic and scientific skills. Additionally, Dr. Bodwell trusted me enough to involve me as a co-author in a chapter of the book Molecular Nanographenes, an invaluable experience that not only reinforced my confidence as an academic but also deepened my understanding of collaborative research and writing in my field. These are just a few examples of the opportunities I’ve embraced since switching to the PhD program. Moreover, my PhD research has enabled me to engage in valuable collaborations with renowned research groups from across the globe, further enriching my academic journey and broadening my perspective on the field.
Of course, graduate school comes with its challenges. Conducting complex multi-step syntheses often feels like a test of perseverance, with failures far outnumbering successes. Balancing lab work, research, teaching, coursework, preparing for conferences, delivering multiple presentations, writing papers thesis, and staying up-to-date by reading countless research articles requires careful time management and focus. With each challenge, I feel myself becoming more interested and better prepared to grow into a resilient scientist and mentor.
Looking back, my journey has been transformative. What began as a path toward industry evolved into a passion for teaching, mentoring, and pushing the boundaries of organic chemistry research. I continue to explore ways to make chemistry more accessible and engaging, combining creativity and science to inspire others. Whether through detailed molecular drawings or animations breaking down complex concepts, I aim to make chemistry less intimidating and more exciting.
Graduate school has taught me that the most rewarding journeys are often the ones that take you by surprise. As I work toward my goal of becoming a professor, I carry with me the lessons I’ve learned, the joy of teaching, and the drive to contribute meaningfully to the academic community.