Doing Things Scared: From First-Year Researcher to Ph.D. Scientist

Through Duquesne’s School of Science and Engineering, Alayna discovered that a chemistry degree could open doors far beyond the path she originally imagined. Along the way, she developed the skills, confidence and curiosity needed to become an independent researcher.

Expanding Horizons Through Research

Alayna’s growth as a researcher began early. During her first year at Duquesne, she joined a research group and quickly discovered how hands-on experiences could shape her future.

“Starting research my freshman year helped me get the experience I needed to further explore my interests as well as build the resume to land internships and awards as early as my sophomore year.”

“Each opportunity led to another opening or experience that shaped my research interests and skills so that I was able to pursue graduate school confidently,” she said.

Those early opportunities allowed Alayna to tailor her undergraduate education around her evolving goals. Through research, internships and mentorship, she gained a clearer understanding of the many possibilities available with a chemistry degree.

When she first arrived at Duquesne, Alayna planned to pursue medicine. However, through conversations with faculty, career-focused coursework and exposure to different scientific pathways, she discovered that research was the perfect fit for her interests and future goals.

“The School of Science and Engineering does a very good job of helping you understand what career options are available to you with your degree,” she said. “Getting that information early helped me sort out my interests and allowed me to tailor my undergraduate experience to meet my career goals.”

Learning Together Through Community

For Alayna, one of the most meaningful parts of her Duquesne experience was the close-knit community she found within the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department.

“Anyone who knew me during my time at Duquesne knew that I was either one of two places on campus: my apartment or the third floor of Mellon Hall,” she said. “Whether it was other students or faculty, everyone treated me like family.”

That supportive environment gave Alayna the confidence to ask questions, take on challenges and grow as a scientist.

“While any science degree is rigorous, I wasn’t in my department all the time because they demanded every spare second I had. I was there because it felt like home and made learning fun,” she said.

Throughout her undergraduate career, faculty mentors and peers encouraged her to push beyond what she thought was possible. Their support helped her develop not only as a researcher, but also as a leader and member of the scientific community.

“I would not be the researcher, leader and human being I am now if it weren’t for the home-away-from-home family I was lucky enough to have,” she said.

Prepared for Anything Through Hands-On Experience

Alayna’s undergraduate research experiences provided more than technical knowledge—they prepared her to approach complex problems independently and confidently.

As she gained experience working on research projects, she developed the ability to take ownership of her work and operate advanced scientific equipment.

“After a certain amount of time on a project and showing the appropriate amount of initiative, I was able to become a very independent researcher from an early stage in my career,” she said.

Through those experiences, Alayna gained hands-on experience with advanced instrumentation, including equipment valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars.

“Doing internships at other universities helped me understand that this is not a common experience for most undergraduate students,” she said. “Through these combined experiences, I believe my graduate learning curve will not be as steep as it might have been without the skills I developed at Duquesne.”

Opportunity Begins with Encouragement

Alayna’s accomplishments—including receiving the prestigious Barry Goldwater Scholarship—were made possible through a culture that encouraged students to pursue opportunities beyond what they thought was possible.

While faculty members consistently encouraged her to aim higher, Alayna credits the example of other students with helping her recognize her own potential.

“One of the things that made those opportunities feel attainable was having a student to look up to,” she said.

She specifically credits former Duquesne student and Goldwater Scholar Lindsay Moskal S’22 as an important source of inspiration and support.

“She saw something in me that I wasn’t able to see in myself at the time,” Alayna said. “I was inspired not only by her intelligence, but by the kindness she approached science with.”

Through mentorship between students and faculty, Alayna saw firsthand how a strong academic community can inspire future generations of scientists.

Looking Ahead

As Alayna prepares to begin her Ph.D. in Chemistry at Carnegie Mellon University, she carries with her the lessons she learned at Duquesne: take chances, seek mentorship and embrace opportunities—even when they feel intimidating.

Her advice to current students is this:

“You don’t have to be ready. What helped me make the most of undergrad experience was doing things scared. If I let my doubts dictate my actions, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

For students considering graduate school or exploring new opportunities, Alayna encourages them to seek guidance from mentors who understand their goals and can help them recognize their potential.

“Ask for the opinion of someone you look up to.” she said. “Those conversations can help you see opportunities you may not have considered.”