Where are you from (or primarily grew up)?
Carrollton, Georgia
What led you to choose Georgia Tech for your studies?
My dad and cousin both attended Georgia Tech, so I was already familiar with the campus and academic environment. However, my decision was solidified when I attended a Women in Engineering conference during high school. I had such a positive experience that I later applied to the Georgia Tech Distance Math Dual Enrollment Program during my senior year, which further confirmed that Tech was the right fit for me. I enrolled as a freshman the following fall.
How did you choose the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering major?
At the Women in Engineering conference, I was introduced to each engineering discipline through student feature videos. One video highlighted a chemical engineering student working in the cosmetics industry, which immediately caught my attention. I had always been interested in cosmetics and skincare but hadn’t known how to connect that passion with my strengths in math and science. That moment sparked my interest in chemical engineering and ultimately led me to pursue it as my major.
You’re starting as Operations Engineer at Mary Kay Global after graduation? Where will that position be based? What will that role involve?
I will be based just outside of Dallas, Texas, at Mary Kay’s R&D and manufacturing facility. In this role, I will work in the processing department to optimize batch equipment and processes, with the goal of improving efficiency and increasing productivity.
Did internships/co-ops help prepare you for this experience?
Yes, last summer I interned with Mary Kay in the same department. During my internship, I led a project focused on reducing the dosing time of a raw material in batch production. I was able to achieve a 79% reduction in dosing time and an 89% reduction in associated costs, which gave me valuable hands-on experience and prepared me well for my full-time role.
You’ve been a Peer Mentor. What did you get out that experience?
Serving as a Peer Mentor was one of the most rewarding experiences I had at Georgia Tech. It gave me the opportunity to share insights and advice I wish I had as a freshman, while also helping ease the transition for incoming students. At the same time, I learned just as much from my mentees. The experience strengthened my leadership, communication, and perspective.
What kind of extracurricular activities did you participate in at Tech?
I was actively involved in Greek life, where I served as Communications Vice President on the executive board. I also held a leadership role on the ChBE Peer Mentors executive team and was a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE).
How did your educational experience at Georgia Tech help you to achieve your goals?
Georgia Tech consistently challenged me and helped me develop strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. In addition, the university offers an incredible range of resources, from career services to networking opportunities, that played a key role in helping me secure internships and ultimately my full-time position. Taking advantage of these resources made a significant difference in achieving my goals.
What advice would you give to new students pursuing Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering?
Get involved early and build relationships with your classmates. Chemical engineering is a challenging major, but the community at Georgia Tech is incredibly supportive. The connections you form with peers, professors, and advisors will make a huge difference, not only academically, but personally as well.
Is there anything else you’d like to add about your experiences related to your education?
My experience at Georgia Tech pushed me to grow in ways I didn’t expect, both academically and personally. I’m grateful for the challenges, the support system, and the opportunities that shaped my path.