I didn't think about being a scientist until I took chemistry in high school. I had always liked art and writing - I liked making the posters for science fair projects better than the experiments themselves! I ended up loving chemistry, though, and eventually decided to major in chemistry at university. I was at a small liberal arts school where the learning environment was supportive rather than competitive, and classes were small enough that professors knew and cared about their students. This was a huge part of why I kept taking chemistry classes despite not really think of myself as a "science person." I think what clinched the decision for me was taking two terms of the infamous organic chemistry and loving it!

I did summer research in organic chemistry during undergrad and realized that although I liked research and working in the lab, I wanted to do more applied topics. I was also interested in environmental issues and sustainability, and asked an environmental chemistry professor about career options. She encouraged me to apply for master's programs even if I wasn't sure about doing a PhD, and after starting my MS, I decided to stay for a PhD as well. Environmental chemistry was a great choice - I got to continue doing chemistry and also see clearly how my work could impact the world.