Graduate Student Highlight: Rebecca Katz
Each week, the Department of Chemistry highlights a graduate student who is doing interesting and exciting work within the department. In this installment of our highlight series, we are featuring Rebecca Katz, who is a fourth-year student who is co-advised by the Schaak and Mao labs.
Katz’s research focuses on the fundamental physical properties of materials for applications in clean energy generation and to optimize the discovery of useful electronic materials, such as superconductors. Outside of the lab, they are involved in the electrochemical society.
This week, we met virtually with Katz to discuss their life in and outside of the lab! Please enjoy our interview with Rebecca Katz.
Question: How did you get interested in chemistry?
Answer: I have always loved exploring the natural world around me. I am fascinated by the way our planet changes, how plants and rocks move on time scales beyond our lives. Chemistry is unique in our ability to synthesize never before seen molecules and materials. It is a way to participate in the creation and transformation of our planet.
Q: What inspires you as a scientist?
A: I am motivated by the undeniable fact that we have taken our planet to the brink of its ability to sustain human life. There is a sense of urgency in turning towards clean energy solutions.
Q: Why did you decide to come to Penn State?
A: I came to Penn State due to the impressive knowledge base and facilities for materials discovery.
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I grew up in Columbia, MO, home of the Missouri Tigers.
Q: Do you have any hobbies?
A: I do small woodworking projects for fun and fix old bikes. Right now, I have two bikes older than me that I am working on!
Q: Do you have any pets?
A: My partner and I have two cats, Thistle and Slinky.
Q: What’s your favorite way to spend a day off?
A: On my days off, I want to be in the mountains or on a river.
Q: What’s your dream vacation?
A: My dream vacation is to go canoeing in the boundary waters.
Thanks to Katz for these interesting and thoughtful answers! We hope you enjoyed this interview. Stay tuned for more graduate student highlights in the weeks to come!