Alma Perez

Chemistry, 2018

Research Program: NSF LSAMP/CAMP (2017-2018)
Undergraduate Major: Chemistry
Undergraduate Faculty Mentor: Dr. Annaliese Franz, Chemistry Research Title: Boronic Acids as Hydrogen-Bonding Catalysts
What is your hometown and state, and where are you now? Westley, CA. Currently at home.
Conferences: The Richard Larock Undergraduate Research Conference, Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, & Creative Activities Conference, the CAMP 2018 Statewide Symposium, and the SACNAS Conference.
Three words to describe me: Careful, Observant, Patient

In what ways has engaging in undergraduate research impacted your future goals and plans?
Doing research allowed me to see how the material learned in class could be applied. Showed me how everything learned can be applied to one topic. My undergraduate research experience gave me the opportunity to practice the scientific method and explain my results. I learned to question my failures and approach each problem in a different way. Learning chemistry hands-on was a surreal experience that led to my decision to apply to graduate school.

What preparation and research experience did you have before applying to your research program?
I was involved with research for about 5 months before I joined CAMP. I had learned about CAMP because I was previously involved with MURPPS as a first year.

Personal achievements/accomplishments or other news and information:
Honorable Mention Award at 2018 CAMP Statewide Symposium. Graduated with Departmental Honors.

What advice do you have for other undergraduate students seeking research experiences?
In the process of looking up research areas have at least two professors whose research matches your interests. This can give you more options and allow you to choose more carefully.

What else would you like us to know about you?\
I recently applied to PhD programs at UCLA, UCI, and The University of Michigan

Alma had this to say about CAMP:
"Being in CAMP has really shaped me into the person I am today. If it wasn't for CAMP I would not have had the courage to put myself out there, and present my research at conferences. As a shy person, this allowed me to get out of my comfort zone and develop professional skills. With CAMP, I was able to find a community of fellow researchers and friends. The people I met made the experience better than expected. Overall, CAMP has helped me get out of my comfort zone and succeed with whatever comes my way."