Chicago, Illinois, United States
Chemistry Ph.D. Candidate passionate about the science–policy interface for sustainable technology and energy systems: ►Conducting research in sustainable catalysis at Northwestern University, developing novel light-activated catalytic materials for cleaner energy and chemical processes ► Shaping local energy transition initiatives by facilitating a multi-sector task force on clean transportation and mobility in Chicago, working with the Chicago Transit Authority, ComEd, and Argonne National Laboratory to advance local energy transition initiatives ► Engaging in science policy initiatives as Vice President of Northwestern’s Science Policy Group, SPOT, including writing policy briefs for legislators on topics such as nuclear energy and data center impacts
Engages private, public, and non profit stakeholders in IL as part of a task force designed to solve energy challenges in Chicago —equitable grid modernization & clean transportation—in 90-day sprints and 12 month goals
• Directed a 12-member executive board, overseeing strategic planning, operations, and partnerships while advancing SPOT’s nonpartisan, evidence-based policy mission • Led the development and management of 14 science policy briefs for Illinois legislators on energy, infrastructure, and environmental issues, including electric vehicles and data centers • Coordinated legislative advocacy visits (“Hill Days”) at the Illinois State Capitol, preparing student researchers to communicate technical findings effectively to policymakers and legislative staff
Synthesizing and photocatalytically investigating novel plasmonic nanoparticles to contribute to decarbonizing the chemical manufacturing industry
- Collaborates with l'Institut Pasteur to write recommendations for an introductory Science Diplomacy program for emerging global policy leaders addressing the urgent need for collaborative, scientifically informed approaches to policy challenges. - Gain skills to advise policymakers, advocate for evidence-based solutions, research best practices, engage stakeholders, identify expert contributors, and draft curriculum recommendations aligned with the Institut Pasteur’s mission and extensive Pasteur Network. - Collaborate across disciplines to shape a course fostering cross-cultural collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable science diplomacy efforts. - Developing essential diplomacy skills through cross-cultural, team-based, virtual projects that provide hands-on professional learning opportunities to be connected to the broader U.S. science diplomacy ecosystem.
- Performed HPLC and FTIR assays to support Fermentation and High Throughput Screening departments. - Managed parallel workflows while operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting HPLCs independently. - Performed assays common to fermentation samples with high throughput automation (Agilent OpenLab CDS, Tecan..) - Trained and onboarded several fellow analytical chemistry research associates.