View List of Graduate Students | Show Different Student Chinessa Adkins Alabama A&M University (summa cum laude) Harth Research Group

Q. How did you become interested in chemistry?

A. After taking chemistry in high school, I was certain that I would major in chemistry in college. Compared to other classes I had taken, it challenged me while keeping me interested as well. My high school chemistry teacher was great and encouraged me to major in chemistry.

Q. Did you know immediately what chemistry graduate program you wanted to go to?

A. I was not sure what program I wanted to attend after graduation. After consulting my advisor, I decided to apply to as many programs as possible and wait until after I visited them to decide where to attend. I wanted to attend a school somewhere in the south.

Q. What made Vanderbilt stand out from all of the other schools?

A. At some of the other schools, I left thinking "I cannot see myself here for the next 4+ years." After I visited Vanderbilt, I knew that I would attend. There were quite a few professors doing research in interesting areas in which I could work. I could easily see myself living in Nashville, attending Vanderbilt, and enjoying myself. It didn't hurt that I had a few friends already living in Nashville, some of which attend Vanderbilt, who were encouraging me to come to school here.

Q. What was your initial experience like at Vanderbilt and Nashville?

A. It had its similarities and differences from undergrad. Because I knew people here from undergrad, it was similar, but I was the complete opposite of Alabama A&M University.

Q. What is your favorite thing about Vanderbilt?

A. I truly enjoy the lab that I work in. My PI and my lab mates are wonderful. We have a great group dynamic which makes my research that much more enjoyable. This is something I looked into when selecting a group. Being a part of a lab that you feel comfortable in and doing research that is intriguing, makes your graduate career more bearable than being in a lab you feel miserable in.

Q. How did you end up in the research group you are currently working with?

A. After rotating through Eva Harth's group, I knew that I would join her group. I was highly interested in the research and, due to Eva's recent arrival as a faculty member and researcher at Vanderbilt, I felt as if I had room to grow in her lab. I am so glad that I joined this group. Our group dynamic is great.

Q. What are your plans after you obtain you PhD?

A. I plan to teach at a small undergraduate institution eventually. If I could work in industry for a few years, that would be great.

Q. When you are able to get away from the lab, what do you do for fun?

A. When I do get a chance to get away from lab, I enjoy spending time with my friends. I am involved in the Vanderbilt dance program and I also love to shop.

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