S-STEM Scholar RJ Mabry's Blog

The last time we met, I was over the moon about how it seemed like all things in my life were working in tandem. Because of this, everything in my life is declaring the upmost importance all at once. This week was calm research wise, as Dr. Hamdan and I are still waiting on our samples. Although they should definitely be done by our next sit down on Thursday. I was supposed to meet her last Monday, but (in case you had not heard) the National Guard has been activated to do certain state initiatives. As a new NCO who's just been moved to one of the most administratively powerful units in the state, I was pulled onto orders to assist with the mission. I'm not a fan of cameras, so I'm glad I was able to hide all day. I've been asked to work about two times a week since early April and while I fear my requesting them to look elsewhere first will negatively impact my performance review, its what I have to do in order to not miss half a week of school at a time. I trust the...

Good News! Yesterday I received an email from Dr. Jean Larson at ASU stating that I've been accepted to their CBBG REU! At first I was worried that the schedule requests (40 hrs/week and no outside employment) would conflict with my military commitment. However, I was incredibly pleased to hear that they're more than understanding and will try to work with my unit (who is also supportive of this). While this opportunity is very Biology and Sustainability focused (which, sorry, IS NOT MY PASSION), I figured getting extra experience in will help me obtain other scholarships as I progress. I made sure to reiterate that I am a chemistry major (with a minor in Material Sciences- working towards an MS Engineering Master's), and that while I was honored to be selected I wanted to be sure that I would be working on something focused in Chem. While this is to ensure that I gain relevant experience, I wanted to be sure I was not taking the seat of a sustainability or Environment...