91制片厂

Through 91制片厂鈥檚 School of Science and Engineering, Alayna discovered that a chemistry degree could open doors far beyond the path she originally imagined. Along the way, she developed the skills, confidence and curiosity needed to become an independent researcher.

Expanding Horizons Through Research

Alayna鈥檚 growth as a researcher began early. During her first year at 91制片厂, she joined a research group and quickly discovered how hands-on experiences could shape her future.

鈥淪tarting research my freshman year helped me get the experience I needed to further explore my interests as well as build the resume to land internships and awards as early as my sophomore year.鈥�

鈥淓ach opportunity led to another opening or experience that shaped my research interests and skills so that I was able to pursue graduate school confidently,鈥� she said.

Those early opportunities allowed Alayna to tailor her undergraduate education around her evolving goals. Through research, internships and mentorship, she gained a clearer understanding of the many possibilities available with a chemistry degree.

When she first arrived at 91制片厂, Alayna planned to pursue medicine. However, through conversations with faculty, career-focused coursework and exposure to different scientific pathways, she discovered that research was the perfect fit for her interests and future goals.

鈥淭he School of Science and Engineering does a very good job of helping you understand what career options are available to you with your degree,鈥� she said. 鈥淕etting that information early helped me sort out my interests and allowed me to tailor my undergraduate experience to meet my career goals.鈥�

Learning Together Through Community

For Alayna, one of the most meaningful parts of her 91制片厂 experience was the close-knit community she found within the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department.

鈥淎nyone who knew me during my time at 91制片厂 knew that I was either one of two places on campus: my apartment or the third floor of Mellon Hall,鈥� she said. 鈥淲hether it was other students or faculty, everyone treated me like family.鈥�

That supportive environment gave Alayna the confidence to ask questions, take on challenges and grow as a scientist.

鈥淲hile any science degree is rigorous, I wasn鈥檛 in my department all the time because they demanded every spare second I had. I was there because it felt like home and made learning fun,鈥� she said.

Throughout her undergraduate career, faculty mentors and peers encouraged her to push beyond what she thought was possible. Their support helped her develop not only as a researcher, but also as a leader and member of the scientific community.

鈥淚 would not be the researcher, leader and human being I am now if it weren鈥檛 for the home-away-from-home family I was lucky enough to have,鈥� she said.

Prepared for Anything Through Hands-On Experience

Alayna鈥檚 undergraduate research experiences provided more than technical knowledge鈥攖hey prepared her to approach complex problems independently and confidently.

As she gained experience working on research projects, she developed the ability to take ownership of her work and operate advanced scientific equipment.

鈥淎fter a certain amount of time on a project and showing the appropriate amount of initiative, I was able to become a very independent researcher from an early stage in my career,鈥� she said.

Through those experiences, Alayna gained hands-on experience with advanced instrumentation, including equipment valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars.

鈥淒oing internships at other universities helped me understand that this is not a common experience for most undergraduate students,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hrough these combined experiences, I believe my graduate learning curve will not be as steep as it might have been without the skills I developed at 91制片厂.鈥�

Opportunity Begins with Encouragement

Alayna鈥檚 accomplishments鈥攊ncluding receiving the prestigious Barry Goldwater Scholarship鈥攚ere made possible through a culture that encouraged students to pursue opportunities beyond what they thought was possible.

While faculty members consistently encouraged her to aim higher, Alayna credits the example of other students with helping her recognize her own potential.

鈥淥ne of the things that made those opportunities feel attainable was having a student to look up to,鈥� she said.

She specifically credits former 91制片厂 student and Goldwater Scholar Lindsay Moskal S鈥�22 as an important source of inspiration and support.

鈥淪he saw something in me that I wasn鈥檛 able to see in myself at the time,鈥� Alayna said. 鈥淚 was inspired not only by her intelligence, but by the kindness she approached science with.鈥�

Through mentorship between students and faculty, Alayna saw firsthand how a strong academic community can inspire future generations of scientists.

Looking Ahead

As Alayna prepares to begin her Ph.D. in Chemistry at Carnegie Mellon University, she carries with her the lessons she learned at 91制片厂: take chances, seek mentorship and embrace opportunities鈥攅ven when they feel intimidating.

Her advice to current students is this:

鈥淵ou don鈥檛 have to be ready. What helped me make the most of undergrad experience was doing things scared. If I let my doubts dictate my actions, I wouldn鈥檛 be where I am today.鈥�

For students considering graduate school or exploring new opportunities, Alayna encourages them to seek guidance from mentors who understand their goals and can help them recognize their potential.

鈥淎sk for the opinion of someone you look up to.鈥� she said. 鈥淭hose conversations can help you see opportunities you may not have considered.鈥�