A chemistry major and Spanish minor in the Class of 2024, Parmeet Kaur has already accomplished so much in a short time on campus.
In addition to coursework, she conducts undergraduate research, serves on the executive board of The American Chemical Society’s student chapter and Women in Chemical Sciences group, and serves as an orientation leader, welcoming new students to the UIUC campus in the fall.
An LAS Honors Student, member of the honor society Phi Eta Sigma, and an aspiring scientist, Kaur wants to do research and development work in the pharmaceutical industry after she graduates.
As an undergraduate research assistant in chemistry professor Jeffrey Moore’s group, Kaur participates in research alongside graduate students, post-doctoral researchers and faculty members in the group.
“I get to attend group meetings and learn about all the different types of research projects happening in my group,” said Kaur, who will soon gain the experience formally presenting her research during the Undergraduate Research Symposium at UIUC April 24-30. “My current projects consist of studying different frontal polymerization methods, conducting materials testing, and polymer synthesis.”
When applying to colleges, Kaur said it was important to her that UIUC was a top school in the country for STEM with access to various research facilities and one of the biggest alumni networks specifically in chemistry.
“Making it very easy to network and get access to resources,” she added. “The School of Chemical Sciences has various events with recruiters from industry, professors, and alumni through which I am able to learn more about the field and the skills that I need to sharpen for a specific role. Through these networking events, I am able to grow as an individual by gaining more knowledge of the specific field.”
But one of the best decisions, Kaur said, has been joining the ACS student chapter and WiCS, which have opened a wide field of networking opportunities as she has met professors and students across the country. The groups have provided a sense of community, Kaur said.
“I have made many close friends who take similar classes to me, along with upper classmen who guide me throughout my time here at UIUC,” she said. “These two organizations have events that help me develop professionally but also make me feel that I belong here.”