Halee Kemper

ABOUT THE RESEARCHER:

1.     Who are you doing research with this summer and what kind of research project are you doing?

I am doing research with Dr. Tomsho and Christopher Orme this summer. The project I am working on is an organic/medicinal chemistry project that deals with synthesizing and purifying boron containing nucleosides to treat HIV. 

2. What do you find fascinating in the research you’re doing?

I find it fascinating how the molecules that I am making could be used to help millions of people that are suffering from HIV and AIDS. The real-world applications of the work I am doing make my experience fulfilling and exciting. 

3. What skills are you learning through the USURF experience?

One of the biggest skills I’ve learned is how to be flexible. In research, nothing is ever guaranteed to work so being flexible and able to adapt to new challenges allows for the best results. It has also taught me that failure is part of the road to success.   

4. What are the challenges you’re encountering in your research?

One of the biggest challenges in my research is the trial and error of optimizing conditions of new reactions. Simple changes can have drastic effects on the results of a reaction and finding the perfect solvent, reaction time, temperature, and purification method can be time consuming and difficult. 

5. How is your USURF experience impacting the way you view your field?

The USURF experience allowed me to have a complete view of what I want to be doing in the future. Being able to focus solely on my research helped me gain the confidence to work in a lab and also strengthened my understanding of the concepts I am using.

6. Tell us something interesting about yourself.

I can play the ukulele and my favorite song to perform is Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles.