The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program 

              During my second year, I joined The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program, which aids students of first-generation or underrepresented groups with a shared goal of obtaining a Ph.D. The program consists of having the opportunity of picking out a faculty research mentor and working with them throughout the year on a specific research topic, where we will later have the chance to have a summer research internship where we develop our research papers. This past spring semester, I was fortunate enough to work in Dr. Ayres's chemistry research lab, where he focuses on polymer chemistry. I was so grateful to be in a positive lab environment as I was nervous about this being my first experience. I always appreciated kind words and encouragement. Without the Mcnair program, I would have never envisioned myself working in a research lab at my age. This program gave me the confidence boost that I need for myself academically.
          I was placed alongside a graduate student at the University of Cincinnati, Prathyusha Chimala. With her, I created a polymer called ​​2-Hydroxypropyl Methacrylamide (HPMA) and hydrogels. I remember not getting the protocol correct the first couple of times and being frustrated. Luckily Dr. Ayres and Prathyusha taught me that I'm not going to get everything right the first time. They always reminded me that this is a new area for me, and I'm here to learn. This advice is something that I will carry with me for the rest of my time pursuing my dream career. This opportunity has taught me that I can be kind of hard on myself and that I need to be more proud of my accomplishment. I also learned how to create hydrogels, as seen in the images below. My end of year lab report for this experience can be found on the "My Work" button on the home page!