An interview with Annabelle Hannah ’25.
What are the most impactful things you have done over the last four years?
I am President of the Chemistry and Physics Liaison this year, and was a member of the Executive Board as Physics Chair last year as well. Through my involvement with the Liaison, I helped organize events that are extremely beneficial to Simmons students, especially those in STEM fields. I have provided students with information on research labs at Simmons, summer internship opportunities, post-grad information sessions, as well as alumnae/i networking events. Knowing that I am making an impact on my fellow Simmons students and supporting fellow women and other underrepresented people in STEM makes me so grateful.
The rich laboratory experiences at Simmons were likewise impactful [see response below].
Did your course of study entail any major research projects?
During my past two years at Simmons, I have been working in the eNano Lab with Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Physics Joe Elias. I am currently completing my thesis in this lab, which involves synthesizing nanoparticles to act as catalysts for carbon dioxide reduction reactions, thus aiming to help mitigate the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and aid in climate change remediation efforts. This lab has sparked my interest in pursuing a career in chemistry for environmental and sustainable applications. I feel proud knowing that I am working to help solve such a large problem and that Simmons has provided me with the knowledge and opportunities to be a part of this lab and project.
Through my research in the eNano lab, I had the opportunity to present my research findings at two national conferences. I received the Undergraduate Conference Fund to attend both of these incredible events. The first was the Spring 2024 American Chemical Society Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, where I presented a poster with one of my lab mates and we discussed our research with academics from across the country. Furthermore, I learned more about graduate school and networked with students from other universities. I will also be presenting research from my senior year thesis project in the eNano lab at the Spring 2025 American Chemical Society Conference in San Diego, California. These experiences have been invaluable for my future career path.
What was your favorite Simmons course and why?
I took Inorganic Chemistry (CHEM 248) in the second semester of my sophomore year, which was one of the most challenging courses I have taken at Simmons. Our class was very small, so we all got very close and enjoyed doing our experiments and solving exercises together. I was incredibly interested in the material, learning about chemistry that involves the whole periodic table, and reading about and working with compounds and elements that I had not previously learned. In one of our labs, we synthesized nanocrystals, and I had so much fun working on the lab with my classmates. This class sparked my passion for working with transition metal elements and conducting experiments that utilize many parts of the periodic table, prompting my future plans to pursue my PhD in inorganic chemistry.
Who was your most inspirational Simmons professor/mentor and why?
Professor Joe Elias, who serves as my research advisor for my senior thesis, has supported and encouraged me through my past few years at Simmons, informing me of opportunities and helping to expand my chemistry knowledge. Working with him in the eNano lab was my first exposure to chemistry research and it excited me for a future in graduate school and working as a chemist. He also supported me in the process of applying to summer internships and graduate programs. Professor Elias has helped me feel confident, excited, and prepared for my graduate studies and a career in inorganic chemistry.
How has Simmons prepared you for your career path or intended profession?
After graduation, I will be pursuing my PhD in inorganic chemistry at the University of Washington. I would not have had this opportunity without the incredible support from my professors, writing me letters of recommendation and helping me as much as possible.
I also received support from the Career Education Center, [where staff members] reviewed my resume and helped me make it stronger. They also made me feel much more confident in myself and my experiences, making the application process less daunting.
Furthermore, in my time here at Simmons, I gained immense research experience working in both the eNano lab and the Biomedical Ultrasound lab on campus. In the eNano lab, I have my own project, where I have gained valuable experience with many different chemistry techniques and instrumentation including electrochemistry, X-ray diffraction, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Infrared Spectroscopy (IR), and more. These are skills that I will carry with me to graduate school that will prove helpful as I continue scientific research.
How has Simmons taught you to be a leader?
I spent two years on the Chemistry and Physics Liaison, one year as Physics Chair, and this year as the President. The experience on this E-Board has been a fantastic leadership experience, as I get to provide resources and opportunities to fellow students. Through my work as a Campus Ambassador, I act as a representative for Simmons and have gained significant leadership experience. Furthermore, in my research lab, I lead my own project, and also had the experience of having two students shadow me in the lab. This allowed me to show them the ropes, teaching them how to use different lab equipment and instruments. I also worked as a learning assistant and teaching assistant for physics courses on campus. I aspire to be a professor one day, and this teaching experience is critical to enhancing my leadership skills.
How did you find your community at Simmons?
Through my involvement with student-led organizations, I have made connections with so many of the students and faculty in the Department of Chemistry and Physics. These are the same students whom I frequently see in my courses, making our classes and group work very enjoyable. Being a Campus Ambassador, I have made great friends with my fellow ambassadors. I enjoy taking students on tours and spending the day having fun and being silly during our all-day events. I also found a community and friendship by participating in the Colleges of the Fenway (COF) Ultimate Frisbee team.
In your experience, what was the best thing about attending college in Boston?
Coming from Salt Lake City, Utah, Boston was a very different experience than what I was used to, but it has been incredible. There is such a great community for college students in the city, making it easy to make friends with students from other universities. Boston also offers so much to do, culturally and recreationally. I fully embraced the Boston way and attended several Red Sox games, thanks to the student discount. For one of my Key Content Area Courses [KCAs, a core requirement at Simmons] I took “Boston Arts in Action” (AADM 143), which allowed me to visit several museums in Boston, including the Museum of Fine Arts, South End Open Studios, and the archive room for the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
What is your favorite Simmons memory?
I have a fond recollection of a Colleges of the Fenway event, where I kayaked on the Charles [River] with two of my closest friends during my junior year. It was a beautiful, slightly foggy morning. Kayaking around the river together, we discussed what we did over the summer and how excited we were for junior year. It was a wonderful moment! I have made lifelong friends here at Simmons, and together we have made unforgettable memories of hanging out in our dorm, throwing the frisbee on the quad, doing homework in Common Grounds, and attending Red Sox games.
What advice do you have for current and incoming Simmons students?
Simmons is such an incredible place, and I think one of the most important things to do is to make sure you take advantage of all the opportunities and resources it offers. I loved my time on the Chemistry and Physics Liaison E-Board and I wish I could have joined sooner. If there is a club or organization you think you might be interested in, attend their events and reach out — the students are all so friendly and eager to talk to like-minded people. Getting involved on campus is a great way to make new friends and find community. It’s my senior year, and I’m still meeting new people and making new friends which is something I love about Simmons. Also, take advantage of Simmons’ great location in Boston. I’m still finding new restaurants and activities throughout the city that I enjoy, and wish I had known about them sooner.