STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Name: Alayna Johnson
Year: Junior
Hometown: Minneapolis, MN
Why Illinois? I actually enrolled at Illinois because of its highly-rated physics program, but I quickly realized I was more suited for the chemistry curriculum; what I especially like is that chemistry majors take a different sequence of courses than chemistry minors and other students, so we're in smaller, more rigorous classes with equally passionate students. Chemistry at Illinois was certainly not my plan, but I really feel like it's exactly where I belong.
Research Interest: Polymer chemistry and organic chemistry
Favorite thing about campus? The chemistry library
Recommended book: A Clockwork Orange
Favorite professor or staff member? There's so many! Steve Zimmerman, George Gollin, So Hirata, Josh Vura-Weis...I could keep going.
Secret to college success: Rewrite and re-think your notes after every lecture. This cements the information in your mind!
Plans after graduation: Graduate studies in polymer chemistry
Go-to snack in a time crunch: Ben and Jerry's vegan ice cream
Something about you no one would guess: I have a black belt in Kung Fu