FMU and the chemistry department prepared me for a successful career. The faculty was very nurturing and supportive. This is what I needed as a first generation college student. After receiving my BS in Chemistry from FMU, I received my PhD in Organic Chemistry from USC. Until recently, I was an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Oklahoma State University. I have transitioned to the University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute as a Research Associate Professor of Clean Manufacturing and Advanced Materials.