Outstanding Undergraduate Research - Kaia Ellis

KENNESAW, Ga. | May 16, 2022

Kaia Ellis, a senior studying at Kennesaw State

Kaia Ellis
 University, has been selected for the prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program this summer at Northeastern University (NU).  
 
The REU program accepts nine students from the thousands of students who apply from across the country to participate in鈥痠nterdisciplinary research鈥痶eams for ten weeks from May 30 to August 6, 2022.鈥疎llis鈥� hands-on work in integrative chemistry made her an ideal candidate, according to her laboratory mentor and Assistant Professor of Organic Chemistry Carl Saint-Louis. 
 
鈥淪he has been a leader in the lab and contributed immensely towards multiple projects by training other students and synthesis[ing] novel compounds,鈥� Saint-Louis said about her accomplishments. 
 
While participating in NU鈥檚 REU program, Ellis will have the opportunity to further her research in medicinal chemistry, which is what excites her more than anything else, through workshops, lectures, presentations, and a research symposium at the conclusion of the program.  
 
鈥淭here are a lot of places that provide opportunities to conduct chemistry research, but it鈥檚 rare to find one where I can specialize in medicinal chemistry,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he acceptance into this program brings me one step closer to accomplishing my goal of applying chemistry to cosmetics. My ultimate future aspiration is to create skin care for specific conditions, like psoriasis and eczema.鈥� 
 
The REU program acceptance validated Ellis鈥� belief that she is where she is meant to be, affirming that at her core, she is a scientist.  
 
鈥淚 was so nervous, but [the acceptance] made me feel really confident about being a chemist,鈥� she said. 鈥淟ike, 鈥榦h, maybe this is what I鈥檓 supposed to be doing!鈥欌�� 
 
Ellis thanked her mentor, Saint-Louis, for his continued support and guidance as she learned to navigate a laboratory setting, and for introducing her to the REU program in the first place. 
 
鈥淚f it wasn鈥檛 for him, I wouldn鈥檛 be able to be where I am now,鈥� she said. 鈥淗e really pushed me in the right direction and kept me on track.鈥� 
 
鈥�&苍产蝉辫;Renee Hudson  

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