Author: Jose Gascon

Post REU Update by Amanda Chamberland

I attended the Research Experience for Undergraduate Students at the University of Connecticut during the summer of 2015. I worked under Dr. Amy Howell and graduate student Drivya working on the Synthesis of Laureatin. After attending the REU program I continued my education at Central Connecticut State University and graduated with a BS in Chemistry. In the fall of 2016 I was a employed as a temporary Quality Control Technician for Charles River Laboratories in Storrs, CT and later hired for the permanent Quality Control Technician position. I am in charge of the Tissue Culture lab at CRL and also train new employees for the Serology lab. I work primarily with Avian vaccine components and absolutely love my job. I plan to start a graduate program in the Fall of 2018 as a Biological Anthropology major and then go on to my PhD in Forensic Anthropology. The research program at UCONN taught me many valuable things about working in the lab, organization, and also how to network efficiently. It was a very positive experience and I would recommend it to any undergraduate Chemistry major that is looking for the real lab experience. It helped me to adapt to the job I have today, and I could not be more grateful for that.

A day in the life of a UConn Chem REUer

Reflections on “a day in the life” and the overall impact of the program from UConnChem REU student Bree Hatfield.

“Hey guys I’m Bree Hatfield, a participant of the UConn Chemistry Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program for the summer of 2016 in the Kumar lab. I am from Manteca, California and attend college at Minot State University in Minot, North Dakota. I competed in the NCAA, Division II as a member of the women’s soccer team. My majors include Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. The UConn Chemistry department has exceeded all of my expectations and included me without hesitation. Not to mention the research within the Kumar lab is incredibly fascinating. With this excitement I would like to show you what my daily routine consists of. So sit back for the next 24 hours because I’m taking over Instagram. I hope you enjoy! #UConnChemREU #takeover #NSFREU #UConnChemistry”

See full story: https://storify.com/mwpeczuh/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-uconnchem-reuer