This week's spotlight is Madison Andrews, an undergraduate researcher for the chemistry and biochemistry deparment in the Martin lab!
What interested you to pursue a career in STEM?
I decided to pursue a career in research simply because it was a discipline where there’s always a new question to ask, problem to solve, and the possible answers and ways of going about it are endless. Starting in the second grade, I was part of a program that allowed us a month every January to research a problem and find a solution, and I participated all though elementary school and then on my own in middle school. In high school, I solidified my commitment to a STEM career by participating in a wet-lab research program for three years, and absolutely loved the experience of designing and executing experiments to explore a curiosity of mine.
How would you describe your work to the public?
I’m about to begin a new project, but in general the Martin lab explores different applications of the boron atom's unique properties in creating chemicals and products for use in industry. One of the notable accomplishments of the lab in the past few years was the discovery of a new super Lewis acid, which has it’s uses in speeding up certain chemical reactions as a catalyst to assist the removal of specific atoms from other chemicals. My previous work in the lab involved analyzing previously-developed chemicals for interaction with other substances to determine safe and effective uses for it in industry.
Outside of the lab, what do you enjoy doing?
I really enjoy spending my free time outside hiking, biking, rock climbing, and kayaking. Additionally, I love to play the flute, and play the piccolo in the Golden Wave Band.
Is there something during your research career that you have really enjoyed or want to share?
I have significantly enjoyed the opportunity to learn organic and inorganic synthesis techniques during my time in the Martin lab. Learning to work in a glove box and on a Schlenk line was definitely a learning curve, but it expanded my knowledge significantly.
If you can give a piece of advice to the younger generation, what would it be?
My advice is to get involved with science fair programs, research internships, university research, and other high level science experiences beyond the classroom if you think a STEM career is what you would like to pursue. Not only will it show you which discipline you want to work in, it’ll also make you a better critical thinker and problem solver.
Is there a female scientist that particularly inspires you?
I am inspired by Katherine Johnson, a woman who wasn’t afraid to demonstrate and use her intelligence for the benefit of NASA’s Flight Research team in the 1960s despite what the people around her thought of her capabilities.
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