Erin Katz
Erin Katz, BS Chemistry
Major: Chemistry
Minor: Mathematics
Research Interests: Atmospheric Chemistry
Hometown: Mount Laurel, New Jersey
What are you most proud of from your time at Drexel?
My involvement in student organizations like Drexel Sierra Club and Dragon Flow Arts Collective.
Best course you took and why:
Qualitative Organic Chemistry — even though the lab was all day on Saturdays. It was really thought provoking and exciting. Each student was given a unique set of six mystery compounds, and we had almost the entire lab at our disposal to figure out what each compound was. We also had to synthesize/purify two derivatives from each compound. Professor Wambsgans was the perfect teacher for the class.
One thing you love about Philly:
FOOD! I’m a huge foodie. My friends and I love going out to eat in Philly.
A lesson you learned in college:
Pain is temporary, GPA is forever. But … it is very important to take mental health breaks and give yourself well-deserved rest and personal time, no matter how busy you are.
A professor or staff member who influenced you:
My research advisor, Dr. Peter DeCarlo, is a major reason why I’m interested in atmospheric chemistry and pursuing a PhD.
Your plans after Drexel:
I’m taking a gap year to work on scientific publications for a research project I was involved in during my final co-op. The research project, called “HOMEChem,” was about indoor air quality. In fall 2020, I’ll be starting grad school at UC Berkeley in the chemistry PhD program, and doing research in atmospheric chemistry.
Any advice for incoming Drexel students?
Get involved in student organizations. They are a great way to meet people with similar interests!