soward

Chelsea Soward: Independent Excellence

By Emily Warpool,
Dean's Office, College of Arts & Sciences

When Chelsea Soward stopped by Dr. K.C. Russell’s office to purchase a molecular model kit, she didn’t think that it would lead to her first research opportunity within the chemistry department. Years later, Chelsea is still researching with Dr. Russell’s team, experimenting with chemical synthesis.

Chelsea’s particular interest involves the synthesis of chatechol derivatives, which can be molded into a 3 dimensional cup-like structure. This cup-like structure that has captured the team’s interest because of its many possible applications, including hydrogen storage and chemical sensors.

Though her research started with Dr. Russell and his team, Chelsea says that her work with the Chemistry department has come with its own learned sense of independence and self-sufficiency. Chelsea says that “Your research professor might not always be around for you to ask questions. Sometimes, you will have to make decisions on your own.” Chelsea has also learned that as an undergraduate researcher “sometimes you make the wrong decision and you have to learn how to fix it, or how not to make it again.”

Chelsea plans to graduate in the spring of 2017, claiming that her undergraduate research has helped her “grow in a lot of ways”.