Haillie Lower

 About Haillie

• Advisor: Heather Maynard
• Department: Chemistry
• Campus: UCLA
• BioPACIFIC MIP Research: SET 1 - Bioderived Materials; SET 4 - Degradation-Optimized Materials

 What is your research focus?

My current research consists of developing new semi-aromatic polyesters from bioderived feedstocks as well as utilizing flow chemistry to synthesize a library of biodegradable caprolactone-based copolymers comprised of varying sugar and zwitterionic side chains for the stabilization of proteins, specifically insulin. Of the four SETs my research most aligns with the bioderived materials SET and degradation-optimized materials SET. The semi-aromatic polyester materials provide an avenue for a synergistic connection between SETs 1 and 4. The BioPACIFIC MIP offers us insightful knowledge and access to tools that will help us advance our own research and the community. My research also overlaps with the broader BioPACIFIC MIP mission as it aims to leverage biosynthetic products as a source to make next generation degradable materials.

 What excites you about NSF BioPACIFIC MIP?

As a member of the BioPACIFIC MIP Fellows cohort since fruition I have been able to contribute to the building of the Fellows program. I am most interested in continuing the Fellows program because of the relationships I forged with other graduate student researchers, professors, staff scientists, and industry scientists. I would like the chance to continue strengthening these relationships from my first two years as a fellow as well as continue to connect with new scientists. The BioPACIFIC MIP Fellows program provided me with a myriad opportunities. leveraged a variety of those opportunities provided by the program to curate and develop myself professionally to a larger scientific audience, mainly, scientists in industry roles I am interested in obtaining. The activities and relationships I have garnered from this program have greatly assisted me in developing as person and scientist. I feel that the Fellows program has accelerated my growth in the areas of my interpersonal skills, my creativity, and my confidence. I want to continue to sharpen my skills as a person and scientist while continuing to contribute to a diverse scientific ecosystem. I am excited for the professional development events and community building events this year as I continue to learn about different areas of myself as I work toward becoming a well-rounded person and scientist.