William Griggs Memorial Scholarship for Science and Math

I am a lifelong puzzle fanatic. Growing up, I was captivated by jigsaw puzzles and brain teasers, but it wasn't until I took my first chemistry class in high school that I realized my love for puzzles could translate to a career in science. From balancing chemical equations to unraveling the mysteries of molecular structures, I found that chemistry brought a level of complexity and excitement to my life that I had never experienced before. I was hooked. The challenge of piecing together seemingly disparate components to create something entirely new was what truly drew me to the field of chemistry. The world of molecules and their interactions fascinates me, as does the potential that advancements in chemistry hold for human health and the environment. As a minority woman pursuing a STEM degree, I am acutely aware of the gender and racial disparity, pay gap, and bias in the field. Refusing to let these obstacles hinder my passion and ambition, I am actively working to increase female representation in STEM and advocate for underrepresented groups. I founded a Girls in STEM club to inspire young girls to pursue careers in STEM, and I created a Science Review club at my university to make science more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. I believe that diversity and inclusion are crucial for scientific progress and innovation, and I am committed to applying my skills and knowledge to better society. As a future organic chemist, my goal is to develop novel synthetic strategies for obtaining natural product compounds that can be used as drugs or drug leads. Natural products have been a valuable source of inspiration for medicinal chemists, but their isolation and extraction from natural sources can be time-consuming, expensive, and environmentally harmful. I am excited about the potential of organic synthesis to create complex natural product scaffolds more efficiently and sustainably, using renewable starting materials and greener reaction conditions. I am drawn to green chemistry and its potential to create more sustainable solutions for the pharmaceutical industry, especially in light of the climate crisis. During my undergraduate studies, I have had the privilege of immersing myself in various research projects focused on organic chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular biology. Working alongside my professors and peers, I was inspired by their unwavering passion for scientific inquiry and their relentless pursuit of discovery. These experiences have reinforced my commitment to pursuing a Ph.D. and becoming a chemistry professor at a research university, where I can impart my knowledge and experience to future generations of scientists, igniting their curiosity and equipping them with the skills needed to contribute to the field. I am inspired by William Griggs and his commitment to promoting education and research in science and math, as well as his dedication to advancing knowledge and promoting diversity and inclusivity in STEM. Receiving the William Griggs Memorial Scholarship for Science and Math would not only be a great honor and recognition of my academic achievements but also a reminder of the importance of using my skills and knowledge to better society, just as William Griggs did during his lifetime. The scholarship would provide me with the financial support necessary to continue my education and research in organic chemistry while also allowing me to expand my outreach efforts and inspire more young girls and underrepresented groups to pursue their dreams in STEM.