Not just a scientist
I am a materials scientist and Ph.D. candidate in Chemistry & Chemical Biology at Cornell University, trained at the intersection of chemistry, physics, and engineering. My graduate research looks at how atomically thin materials can be modified to reveal new electronic states relevant to future energy technologies. Outside of the lab, design is a big part of how I think and what I enjoy. I’m drawn to design for the same reason I’m drawn to science at its best; both are tools for clear, effective storytelling. My time studying graphic design during my undergraduate years left a lasting impression on how I communicate and evaluate ideas. I especially enjoy working with typography, from letterforms to the structure of text. I thrive in collaborative, interdisciplinary spaces where clarity, intention, and good design matter as much as technical depth.
Education
Ph.D. (loading!)
Cornell University
Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry
M.S.
Yale University
Master of Science in Chemistry
B.S.
St. John's University
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
Minor in Graphic Design
My work at Cornell investigates how materials undergo structural and electronic changes at the atomic level to reveal new properties useful for energy technologies.
My time at Yale with Dr. Judy Cha marked the start of my materials science journey, where I learned to approach research through a blend of chemistry, engineering principles, and design-driven problem-solving.
At St. John’s, I discovered how much I love experimentation, problem-solving, and the hands-on process of doing chemistry research beyond the classroom.
Select honors and awards
Recognitions and fellowships awarded across my academic career.
Cornell's Founder's Dissertation Fellowship
November 2025
A competitive one-semester fellowship awards to applicants who demonstrate excellence in their academics, leadership, and service, and have made significant contributions to Cornell’s core values to provide a community of belonging.
St. John's University Chemistry Department's Gold key for academic excellence
June 2020
A Gold Key for academic excellence is awarded annually to a qualifying senior in each department of St. John’s College. The recipient of each award is selected by the chair of the department in consultation with the dean’s office on the basis of the student’s outstanding scholastic achievement in his/ her major field, the student’s overall academic performance and the recommendations of their department’s faculty.
St. John's University Distinguished Alumni in Chemistry
October 2022
This award recognizes alumni who have demonstrated strong achievement in chemistry through meaningful research, leadership, and continued scientific growth.
American Chemical Society Scholar
May 2019
A national scholarship awarded to undergraduate students from under-represented backgrounds pursuing chemistry (or related) degrees, recognizing academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to the chemical sciences.
National Science Foundation Graduation Research Fellowship
April 2022
A nationally competitive 3-year fellowship recognizing graduate researchers with demonstrated potential to make significant contributions across STEM fields.
Henry Luce FOundation's Clare booth luce scholar
May 2019
This full tuition scholarship awarded by the Henry Luce Foundation is awarded to undergraduate women in STEM with the intention to significantly increasing the number of women in math, science and engineering at every level of higher education.
SKills
A multidisciplinary toolkit spanning research coordination, creative design software, and advanced scientific instrumentation.
Strategy &Project Management
Interdisciplinary coordination, multi-stakeholder collaboration, timeline and workflow management, facilitation and mentorship
Technical & Creative Tools
Adobe Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint),
Python, AutoCAD, OriginPro
Design & Visualization
Experience-focused visual communication, iterative concept development, layout, typography, and diagramming
Scientific Instrumention
Raman Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction
Interpersonal skills
Translating complex ideas, teaching & training, clear communication, public speaking, team leadership, mentorship
Scientific Techniques
CAD-based lithography (photo-, electron-beam), metal evaporation (thermo, electron-beam), electrochemical intercalation, layered material transfer and exfoliation
Select Publications
Full link to all publication can be found on my Google Scholar.
Thin ferroelectric materials for memory devices
Lithiation in 2H-MoTe2 nanoflakes
Lithiation induced novel phases in 1T’-MoTe2 nanoflakes