Hi! My name is Roisin and over the past 4 years at UCSD I have had the amazing opportunity to build a community that I am proud to call my own. Involving myself in on-campus research projects, securing a full-time R&D internship, working for UC San Diego Health and finding time to be outdoors have all helped me grow as both a student and as a person. I love to mentor younger students and always have a helpful word or a safe space to share with those around me. This school has brought me so much, and I am so excited to show you what it can bring you too!

Hometown

Los Angeles, California

Major(s)

Chemical Engineering

Minor(s)

Dance

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Leadership Roles: - President: oSTEM (out in STEM) LGBTQ+ Pre-Professional STEM Organization (UCSD Chapter of a broader multinational organization) (Organized national conference trips; assembled Professor and researcher panels to present to the student body; hosted social events and coordinated board members for end-of-year galas) - Vice President of Recruitment: Phi Sigma Rho Sorority (Direct and support 900+ interested students in the Panhellenic community; create workshops and social sessions designed to center sorority recruitment around community, with a focus on addressing implicit biases; create fun and meaningful opportunities for connection) Notable Involvement: - UCSD Hiking Club (Hiked almost every weekend for ~6 months) - UCSD Mentor Collective (Had a total of 14 mentees over 2 years, checking in regularly and helping students adjust to college life, to find their place in the world, to improve their study habits, and to generally feel supported throughout the start of their college career) Employment: - Full-time employment as a Polymer Research and Sustainability Engineer (Summer internship 2026) (Utilize material science research and polymer development to design thin film formulations for the technology, automotive and architectural industries) - Part-time employment as a Teacher's Assistant (Undergraduate Grader Summer 2026) (Host office hours, grade midterms, design points systems, and help students better understand why and how the course material works) - Part-time employment as a Student Administrator for UC San Diego Health (School year 2024-2026) (Plan events and coordinate student involvement for mental health initiatives, spanning diverse demographics and analyzing data to predict and improve future endeavors) - Part-time volunteer position as a Materials Science Researcher (School year 2026) (Assist in designing and developing a novel laser analysis system to assess photovoltaic materials and semiconductors for applications in the solar industry) (AKA my post-doctoratal researcher and I are designing a laser-based system that will tell us what new materials are best fit for solar panels) Study Abroad: - Summer 2024 (Summer after my freshman year) I participated in a Study Abroad Internship program in Dublin, Ireland! There I worked full-time (36 hours​/​week) as a chemical engineering researcher, helping a Ph.D. candidate investigate the success of certain materials in turning water into clean energy! I loved traveling and had a lot of fun getting to travel around the country on weekends.

Describe your college experience

In my time at UC San Diego I have gained so much knowledge about both myself and the world. I firmly believe that university is a time for students to learn not only who they are, but who they want to be. Developing identity, problem-solving skills and a sense of purpose have all been goals of mine over the past 4 years - ones that I will continue to work on long beyond my graduation in the spring.

Tip for future students

Something I wish I had known when starting college is that it is always okay to change your mind! I have loved every community I've joined, but at times it was a struggle to balance a full class schedule with a part time job, 15 hours per week in a research lab, friends and personal time. Saying no can help you flourish when you know your limits and push yourself only to the best of your ability!

Favorite class

My favorite class so far has been Chemical Engineering 101A - Fluid Mechanics! I loved the challenge of puzzling through a real-world problem, looking for solution pathways and routes that others may not have thought of.

Career goals

I am currently applying to Masters and PhD programs, and will be applying to full-time jobs in the Spring. I would love to continue my education into material science and am open to whichever option best suits my personal, financial and family circumstances at the time of graduation. Ultimately, my goal is to enter the energy and semiconductor industries as a research engineer, improving our energy capture and storage for future generations! I love the earth and hope to preserve it as much as possible through my work.

Ideal way to spend a free night

I love to spend my free time hosting hangouts for my close friends - whether it's a movie night of some classic movie I've never seen or going out for Hot Pot with a side of shaved ice, I find myself having the most fun when making memories with the people who have made my college experience so meaningful!

High school or secondary school

Redondo Union High School

Favorite spot on campus

My peace of mind comes most easily in a window seat hidden in one of my favorite places on campus, The Zone - a health and wellness lounge located right in the middle of campus. Having a space that is intended for wellness allows me to unwind, to focus on my work, and to meet other students who prioritize both their academic success and their personal growth. I love the peace and quiet while still being around others, chatting away while I do my work!