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Can you describe your experience at the Gatton Academy?
My experience at Gatton was phenomenal and life-changing. I was surrounded by other students who were academically focused. Attending a school with like-minded peers allowed me to excel because we all pushed each other to become better students. Simply, my time at Gatton made me much more self-motivated and dedicated student.
How have your experiences at the Gatton Academy helped you in your adult life?
Gatton opened up so many doors for me. I am only 19 and already I’ve been a co-author on a paper published in a scientific journal, participated in a National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (NSF-REU), and presented my research at national meetings. Being at the Gatton Academy introduced me to the worlds of chemistry and research, and for that I am grateful.
Since the Academy, what have you been up to?
After Gatton, I decided to stay at Western Kentucky to continue my studies. I am majoring in chemistry with minors in both math and music and I’ve been very involved in research. Here at WKU, my research focuses on eliminating the toxicity of the anticancer drug cisplatin and making the drug more effective. To broaden my horizons, this past summer I attended a NSF-REU at Western Washington University where I conducted research on the synthesis of flexible conducting polymer films for use as artificial muscles and brain stimulators. Finally, I have been really involved in chemistry tutoring which has been instrumental in helping me discover my passion for teaching.
What do you aspire to achieve in the next ten years?
In the next ten years, I hope to have my Ph. D. in chemistry and be teaching at the collegiate level. I also hope to be working on the frontier of biomedical research.
What was your favorite memory from your time at the Gatton?
One of my absolute favorite memories from Gatton would have to be the game of “Ultimate Mud Frisbee.” It had just finished raining, so obviously we all thought it would be a great idea to play a game of ultimate frisbee in the mud!
We would like to thank Celia for taking time out of her schedule to be interviewed.
Alumni