Track: Molecular Probes and Sensors (2021)
Undergrad: Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ - Chemistry
Internship: Synthetic Chemist, Cascade Chemistry
Current Job Title: Synthetic Chemist, Actylis, Eugene, OR
What about the program intrigued you and why did you choose this path?
What intrigued me the most about the program was their genuine care for my future. They provided numerous resources, not only STEM-related but also professional development resources. Staff members took the time to help me perfect my resume, perfect my presentations, and in turn helped me become a more confident chemist. Not only is this support given throughout the program, but it is also given after. The tight network within the program has assured me they will be there to help when they can.
Originally, I looked into joining a PhD program but in the end, this was a much better path for me. Coming out of my master’s with 9 months of experience in industry, helped me feel more confident about having a career afterward. Luckily, I was able to stay at my internship company. The high rate of students with a job after graduating was another reason I chose this program. Job security is important to me so knowing this could lead to a job was appealing. Even if you are not offered a full-time position from your internship company, you still leave with experience you can use to find another position.
What was the intensive summer like for you?
Even though I took all my lecture classes over Zoom (I went through in 2020), I still enjoyed the class work. Every professor or TA was willing to help students and they were all amazing. It was also nice to work with others struggling with the same concepts. My cohort scheduled time after class so that we could work on homework together and I appreciated the support.
The lab work was intense (and all in person), but I learned so many techniques that I still use in my day-to-day job. It was also a plus getting to work at the BEAUTIFUL Knight Campus! Much like the class work though, the immersive labs encourage teamwork, which improved upon my communication, organizational, and collaborative skills. I had so many positive experiences in the lab that helped boost my self confidence, but I also learned how to deal with failure - which can be a big part of your job as a research and development chemist.
Where did you do your internship?
I did my internship at Actylis (formerly Cascade Chemistry by Aceto) in Eugene, Oregon. Our company focuses on the synthetic route development and scale-up of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials. I currently hold the position of Synthetic Chemist II and I typically work on process development for the scale up of API synthesis on the kilogram scale.
Without giving away proprietary info, what was your internship like? What were you responsible for? What was a typical day like?
My internship included multi-step small molecule synthesis. I worked closely with a mentor who trained me on the specifics of working in industry, while also helping me with chemistry when needed. I was responsible for my day-to-day schedule which typically included setting up a reaction or two, analysis of the reaction and product, and shipping the final product to customers. What I enjoy most about my job is we are allowed to work independently but are also able to consult other chemists if we are struggling to fix a particular issue. A lot of the other chemists around me have 30 to 40 years of experience in chemistry so I appreciate having the opportunity to learn from them.
How did your job change as you transitioned into your current role?
As I transitioned from intern to Synthetic Chemist II, I was expected to rely less on my mentor for assistance. I typically work independently to scale up processes that we have done research and development on, but depending on the project, I may work with a team.
Did you feel the program prepared you for your job? In what ways?
This program prepared me for both the technical and professional work needed for my job. The lab course work taught me multiple techniques that I have applied to my job, as well as analytical techniques which I use to analyze my work.
They also prepared me for the professional business side of my job such as speaking with clients, giving technical presentations, and communication with coworkers. Both my lab lead and our professional development professor coached me in how I can better prepare and speak when it comes to presentations.
What do you enjoy about what you do and what makes it a good fit for you?
If you think it took you in a different direction, what did you discover about yourself and your skills/interests that took you in that direction?
I enjoy that my job always pushes me to learn and gives me experience in different disciplines of chemistry. I always knew I wanted to be in the lab and now I feel like I have the chance to perfect my techniques and learn how chemistry differs in the lab versus on paper.
How does your work or the work of your company serve the common good?
When I hear about what our clients are using the APIs for, I feel immense pride in my job. Knowing that the compounds I make could positively impact someone’s life, makes me the happiest. It was always important to me that whatever I job I chose, I would be making a positive difference in the world. Knowing that the work I produce could eventually cure a sick patient or save someone’s life is very satisfying for me.