Alumni

Graham Collier

I am currently a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Georgia Institute of Technology working on aqueous electrolyte compatible conjugated polymers finding applicability in electrochromism and other redox-active applications.

My fondest memory of the Department is the congeniality of the faculty and staff of the department. Everyone made themselves readily available to discuss research challenges, career advice, or just have a warm conversation in the hallway. Also, Professors always made concerted efforts to be available to answer questions from coursework or provide insight to experimental measurements.

The research focused MS program in the Department of Chemistry showed me how understanding fundamental processes can guide the design principles of materials for practical applications to address real-world challenges. Additionally, the interdisciplinary nature of the research in the department showed me how researchers with diverse expertise working as a team can elevate the quality of science. This exposure motivated me to pursue my PhD in Polymer Chemistry at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, where I led a team that developed the first example of purine-based copolymers to understand how monomer design affects the resulting thermal and photophysical properties of a highly tailorable building block.

Jessica Schott

I am currently a graduate student in the chemistry Ph.D. program at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

My fondest memories of my time in the MS program at UNCC all revolve around the sense of community and camaraderie with fellow students (Chemistry MS and Nanoscale Ph.D.) and even some of the faculty! The UNCC
Department of Chemistry is a small, supportive, collaborative environment in which everyone is willing to do whatever they can to help the students succeed.

The atmosphere within the Department of Chemistry provides an arena in which students can work closely with faculty to perform high impact research while simultaneously mastering valuable skills. The environment is particularly
beneficial for those students beginning to explore their careers as research scientists. My experiences within the MS program at UNCC shaped me into a more proficient and confident researcher. I was able to hone presentation skills
while gaining the experience and laboratory expertise required to make me a more competitive Ph.D. applicant.

Reynolds Ivins

I currently work in product development designing new processing fluids and topical coatings for the industrial fibers industry (heavy duty nylons and polyesters for applications in airbags, seat belts, geotextiles, marine ropes, etc.).

I have fond memories of participating in science engagement and community outreach opportunities with other graduate students and faculty. The Chemistry department staff are not only enthusiastic about their own personal research areas, but science as a whole. Participation in events like the NC Science & Tech Expo and the Juice from Juice outreach program were enjoyable ways to show how exciting chemistry can be and help foster an early interest in science.

The education I received during my time in the MS Chemistry program at UNC Charlotte has provided me the strong foundation in organic, polymer and materials chemistry that I use every day in my career. Through this research-focused degree, I gained the tools and discipline to lead long term research projects and effectively communicate complex topics in simple, straightforward terms.

Shawn Ridlen

Adjunct Professor of Chemistry at Tarrant County Community College (TCC) in DFW, TX

The students in the Master’s program had a strong and close bond, more so than I have ever seen before or since. Students, both new and old, always seemed willing to help each other with course work or a tough research problem. It truly felt like we were working through the program together.

I believe that the UNCC master’s program prepared me for continued success in a doctoral program. The research techniques I developed allowed me to progress confidently into doctoral research. The program also helped me develop poise and presentation skills, which I have continued to use throughout my education and career

Samantha Dodbele

I am currently a Ph.D. student at the Ohio State University in Dr. Jane Jackman’s lab where I study an unusual family of 3′-5′ RNA polymerases whose biological functions are not entirely known.

My fondest takeaways from my time at UNC Charlotte and specifically in the Troutman lab were the great times with lab mates brainstorming experiments, working with interdisciplinary departments around campus, and finally seeing a project come to fruition!

The training that I received from the MS program at UNC Charlotte was exceptionally valuable to me in that it helped me cultivate and develop my experimental techniques, become familiar with writing manuscripts and fellowships, and attend conferences to understand a broader scientific community. The program launched me to be a successful, independent researcher in a PhD. position.