Given the fact that you are originally from another nation, how did you hear about UConn?

I actually moved from Ukraine right before high school, so I had already lived in the U.S. for a number of years. This being said, I am very proud to be Ukrainian, and I am a member of the Ukrainian Student Association here at UConn. It is very important for me to remember my origins, and I am grateful for UConn and the culture here that fosters diversity and foreign influence from all parts of the world.

As a UConn IDEA Grant recipient, what project did you pursue?

My SURF award was quite a life-altering experience for me at UConn. I was given the opportunity to do my own chemistry research project on biomass conversion and catalysis, and I am very grateful for this great opportunity provided to me.

Describe someone you’ve met here who has already impacted your future.

Mainly, I will miss all of the great people that I have encountered along the way at UConn. Whether it is my first Spanish TA or the great folks at the Study Abroad office. Without them I would not be here today, successful and heading in the right direction.

Was there a defining moment during your time at UConn?

It is hard to find one defining moment during my time at UConn. Where I am today is instead the result of many such moments, and only together do they make up the unforgettable career that I have had here.

Where are you headed after graduation?

After graduation, the plan is to attend graduate school for chemistry in order to obtain a Ph.D. My goal is to do high-impact research, and I am currently choosing between several universities – UNC, UCLA, Wisconsin – to pursue this dream.