I’m Linus, a senior chemistry major (physical chemistry concentration). In my time at UCLA I have seen all the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of this school and I’d love to share it all with you. Academically speaking, most of my coursework at UCLA has been in the Physical Sciences Division. I have taken courses in all manner of departments within the division, from math to earth science and everything in between. In addition to this, I have taken many courses for my own personal enjoyment in the Humanities and Social Science divisions, including coursework in English, philosophy, art history, ethnomusicology, film and more. My extracurricular interests are similarly varied. As a paddlesport athlete in high school, I expected to spend much of my time at UCLA either at the gym or on the water. Ultimately, while I certainly spent some time doing both, I found myself more drawn to the dorky academic clubs. I have participated extensively in the chemistry club, the Go Club (the board game), as well as social justice oriented clubs like Students for Farmworkers. Much of my time at UCLA has been dedicated to pursuing my career interest in laboratory research. I have worked as a researcher in multiple physical chemistry labs on campus, mostly focusing on photo-physics, as well as colloidal and gas state chemistry (find me on Google Scholar!). I have also won multiple fellowships for off-campus research at Caltech, which I spent working on interdisciplinary physical chemistry projects as a NASA partner. In addition to this research lab work, I have also worked in labs as a chemical safety assistant for UCLA Environment, Health and Safety. Through this job I have worked in a wide variety of research labs from neuroscience to solid state material physics. All this being said, the most fruitful thing I have done at UCLA is find my own identity as a transgender woman. Though the transition process has been far from easy, mental and physical health resources at UCLA have helped me every step of the way. As you may be able to tell, I love talking about myself and I would be happy to answer any questions you have!

Hometown

San Francisco

Major(s)

Chemistry

Clubs, organizations & involvement

President - UCLA Go Club 2024-2025 Professional Development Chair - Student Members of the American Chemical Society 2024-2025 Member - Students For Farmworkers UCLA Undergraduate Researcher - Caram Group Research Lab (James Ramsay Summer Fellowship) Undergraduate Researcher - Barber Group Research Lab ChemTag Student Worker - UCLA Environment, Health and Safety Tutor - UCLA Physical Sciences Division

Describe your college experience

My transition to college was pretty typical: rocky to begin with but transformative once I found my footing. While I have stuck with the same major since my admission, almost everything else in my life has changed since then. I have gone through friendships, relationships, jobs, labs, identity crises and more, and I still feel myself changing as a person all the time.

Tip for future students

Take your personal health and safety seriously! The school has a variety of free resources for both mental and physical health, including (but not limited to) condoms, Plan B contraceptives, COVID tests, therapy sessions, Narcan, as well as both mental and physical crisis hotlines. College is absolutely a time for exploration, but I have found it helpful and comforting to make plans for harm reduction strategies when possible.

Favorite class

Quantum Mechanics (Chem 113A) was my favorite course. I felt that my instructor was able to effectively turn my understanding of classical physics on its head, beautifully reintroducing fundamental concepts from a totally new light.

Career goals

I hope to pursue doctoral studies in atmospheric physical chemistry.

Ideal way to spend a free night

Reading my book at home, listening to my CDs and records.

High school or secondary school

Lowell High School

Favorite spot on campus

My favorite place on campus is the Gamelan Room in the Ethnomusicology building. I have been a member of the UCLA Music of Ghana Ensemble for over two years now, and many of my most cherished memories at UCLA are of jamming on the Apentemma Drums with the ensemble in the Gamelan Room.