ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½

Allie Weber ’15, Customer Support Manager at the CEM Corporation​

“At ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, I was able to start research early in my education and work closely with faculty to develop/hone many important skills (experimental design, analysis, purification, etc.) by the time I graduated. I was able to enter my graduate education confident in my abilities and feeling ahead of the curve.”​

“At ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ you build strong and personal relationships with faculty, which makes them easy to approach when seeking supplemental help, voicing concerns, or bridging knowledge gaps. I’ve learned since that a lot of people (especially at larger institutions) did not experience that in their undergraduate studies.”​

What was beneficial to how you learned at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½? “You got to know your professors and fellow students on a personal level, fostering an environment free of apprehension or judgement. Everyone knows we learn from our mistakes, and fortunately there was no fear in making mistakes at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½.”​

What elements of your education proved to be most helpful to you? “First, the ability to comfortably make mistakes and learn from them. Second, the warmth and approachability of faculty. I was never afraid to pose questions or voice when I needed help.”​

Would you tell us a little about your most important mentor? ” Dr. Jerry Jenkins – Instilled a confidence in my abilities that I could not see myself. Always pushed me to do better and reach higher.  Dr. Robin Grote (Research Advisor) – Supported me throughout my undergraduate (and graduate!) research career. Always took the time to thoroughly explain and personally develop every new skill and concept. Played a monumental role in my preparedness for graduate school. Dr. Joan Esson (Student Advisor) – Encouraged and guided me through tough decisions with exceptional compassion. Always ready to listen and takes personal interest in her students. Dr. Carrigan Hayes – Fostered an environment where mistakes were welcomed and encouraged. Always looked to find new ways to present and explain challenging concepts (which was nearly all topics in PChem!).​

What advice would you give to a new student?

“Do not be afraid to ask for help. At ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ you build strong and personal relationships with both faculty and fellow students, which makes approaching them easy when seeking supplemental help, voicing concerns, or bridging knowledge gaps.”​

“Expect to be not only recognized by your faculty (a rarity in itself, especially at larger institutions), but valued, heard, and supported.”​