Oh Lipids, the Places we Have Gone
Abstract
I titled my dissertation, “Oh Lipids, The Places We Have Gone.”, based off one of my favorite childhood books by Dr. Suess. I was reminded of the book, “Oh, the places you’ll go” by my mentor Dr. Valerie Goss and close friend Alicia Nesbary-Moore, at my farewell party to graduate school. Ironically, I received two of the same books, with similar meaning behind them, however, I would soon learn the meaning at the end of my journey. As many students, embarking on another chapter in life, I didn’t understand the magnitude of what this book would do for me and to me. So, I want to take you on my journey.After my acceptance into graduate school, my tunnel vision only saw food chemistry as the end goal for my graduate career. I didn’t have a plan on how I would become a food scientist, nor the division or classes needed to accomplish this goal; but I knew one thing, when I said yes to Purdue University, I was on the path… Or so I thought. The real path started with my introduction into the world of analytical chemistry at recruitment weekend. I was clueless with what Purdue University had to offer as far as research or careers. So, during recruitment weekend I made sure I asked the questions needed to make a sound decision. I was given seminars and accolades regarding Purdue University being part of the Top 10 Universities in Analytical Chemistry and Engineering for the past decade. However, I didn’t understand at the time how Analytical Chemistry will be the steppingstone I needed to become the food chemist I dreamed about.In the schedule given for recruitment weekend, faculty comingle with prospective students, to answer any questions they may have about the program or research. At the first luncheon, I had the pleasure of seating at the table with Dr. Graham Cooks (Dr. Cooks). During lunch, several people came to the table bowing and taking pictures with him, which left me a little puzzled. Who was the man I was seating next too? After a free moment to speak opened for Dr. Cooks, he kindly introduced himself to me. Greeting him with my name, he looked at me with slight confusion and asked, “do you know who I am?”. With even more confusion, I said “your name is Dr. Cooks, correct”. He immediately laughed and asked me a couple of questions about myself; what made me choose Purdue University and what was my interest.Now it was my time to shine! I introduce myself as the new food chemist, I will become. The conversation was geared around my love for food and what journey I will take as a graduate student in the chemistry department. After listening for a couple of minutes, he asked me “how would I use mass spectrometry to solve this problem”? As a response, I asked him, “what is mass spectrometry”? Students at the table gasps and Dr. Cooks laughed and said we need to take a walk to the basement of Brown (Herbert C.) Laboratory of Chemistry at Purdue University.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
McLuckey, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Analytical chemistry
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