Biochemistry Personal Statement

Describe your prior research experience. (500 words or less)

I first became involved in scientific research during my first semester at Georgetown by joining the lab of Professor Timothy Warren. I investigated ammonia’s viability as a sustainable, carbon-free fuel source by building, designing, and characterizing novel iron catalysts that could perform ammonia oxidation. I was immediately intrigued by the thrill of science: the glove boxes I learned to spend hours working in, the vibrant purple compounds I would synthesize, and the x-ray crystal structures I obtained to see the invisible. However, I also learned about the difficulties of scientific research, from handling materials in the accident-prone globe box to waiting hours to get a DFT

Understanding the complexity of biology inside of a cell and investigating the molecular—seeing beyond the limits of the human senses—has been central to my scientific studies. During my PhD program in biophysics, I intend to understand biological systems through physical and quantitative means not only to elucidate molecular mechanisms but to also engineer biology for new purposes. The ChEM-H CBI Training Program would ground my graduate education in interdisciplinarity and allow me to continue to understand the fundamental molecular interactions of human health. It would allow me to directly interact with other students and faculty outside of the biosciences and expand my horizons. As an undergraduate, I’ve been able to participate in interdisciplinary research cohorts through the Provost's Distinguished Undergraduate Research Fellowship. There, I was able to learn about research questions in the social sciences and humanities, but more importantly, I drew connections about how to approach and think through intellectual problems in general. As I specialize my research more in my PhD program, I hope to continue this spirit of interdisciplinary collaboration through the CBI Training