Why did you choose graduate school at IU Indianapolis?
I chose graduate school at IU Indianapolis because of my strong interest in researching the effects of global warming on water resources using environmental analysis tools, which developed during my senior year of college. I discovered Dr. Lixin Wang's impactful research through his publications, and after an inspiring interview with him, I was encouraged to apply for the M.S. program at IU Indianapolis.
What has been your favorite academic accomplishment since you’ve been here?
My favorite academic accomplishment since being here has been attending the American Geophysical Union (AGU) conference, where I had the honor of presenting a poster and receiving a travel grant. This event was an eye-opening experience for me as a graduate student early in my career. Representing IU Indianapolis, I had the opportunity to connect with leading scientists in my field, learn about their projects, and share my research. One highlight was learning more about NASA's L'SPACE NPWEE program and being selected for it. Additionally, successfully defending my thesis early in my timeline as the first graduate student in my department, despite the heavy workload of research, writing, and teaching two labs, stands out as a significant and rewarding achievement.
What do you enjoy most about life in Indianapolis?
What I like most about living in Indianapolis is the abundance of parks and green spaces, which perfectly support my interests in running, hiking, and photography. I enjoy running along the canal in the summertime and sitting by the White River to read my favorite books. Also, the exciting sports culture and numerous events, enhances the overall experience of living here.
Please provide some details about your work/research as a graduate student and/or any activities you are involved in.
My research focuses on identifying trends in water resources within drylands through environmental analysis. I primarily use R and Python to analyze meteorological data from my study area, which aids in understanding and addressing the unique challenges these regions face.
Besides that, I served as the Director of Communications for the Entrepreneurship Club at the Kelley School of Business. In this role, I managed the club's communication strategies, organized events, and fostered connections among members and industry professionals. One of my favorite projects was developing "Shrimp Tank," a business idea contest for IU Indianapolis students.