Spotlight: Katrina Kline

Women have always been involved in scientific discovery, although most often without due credit for their work. I think it is important for women to obtain advanced scientific degrees to not only get credit for their accomplishments, but also to encourage other women to pursue careers in the sciences.

Being a graduate student at Mizzou is a wonderful opportunity to further your education and pursue research interests. Mizzou provides graduate students with excellent research laboratories as well as many opportunities for collaborations with other departments.

My advisor/mentor has helped me through my graduate career in many ways. She not only does what is expected of her as an advisor, but also adds a personal touch by being a sounding board for new ideas, community outreach programs, and teaching. Possibly the main reason she has helped so much is that I know I have her support not only for the duration of my graduate career, but also for my future endeavors.

Katrina has presented her research at two national meetings, including American Chemical Society in April 2008. She teaches young girls through the Magic of Chemistry, a national model program under the direction of Katrina’s mentor, Associate Dean Dr. Sheryl A. Tucker. At the collegiate level, Katrina has taught Chemistry 3200 (Quant) for several semesters. She plans to become a faculty member after graduation in 2009.