Yongyu (Rose) Ou
Name: Yongyu (Rose) Ou
Hometown: Jiangmen, Guangdong province, China
Anticipated graduation: May 2021
Major: Chemistry
Internships/Research/Projects:
I started doing research in spring 2019 under Dr. Steven Kennedy’s mentorship. The main focus of the research is “Studies toward 3,4-dihydro-2(H)-quinolinone derivatives.” Over an extended period of time, I had accomplished two different routes of my project.
Inspirations (for major, research, internship):
I knew I wanted to study chemistry, ever since I was in middle school. To this day, I still thrive as a chemistry major, clear-eyed about my future career path. The requisite courses in organic chemistry exposed me to organic synthesis—the science and technology of developing synthetic routes to produce previously unknown molecular structures, which I have always enjoyed; and, it has become the focus of my central research interest.
Highlights (from courses/internship/research):
With my accomplishments, I presented my work at 22nd Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium in the Chemical and Biological Sciences held at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County in October of 2019. In addition, to our best knowledge, we synthesized a brand-new compound that has never been reported in the literature. Currently, I am the President of American Chemical Society Millersville Student Chapter, which has given me an opportunity to strengthen my leadership skills.
Takeaway (from courses/internship/research):
It is always been hard to be so far away from home, but the faculty and staff in the chemistry department have always made me feel welcome, and they truly care about their students’ successes. Words cannot express how grateful I am from Dr. Kennedy’s help and support, his passion and excitement for chemistry keep inspiring me to pursue a PhD degree in organic synthesis.
Advice (for incoming freshman in your shoes):
Do not hesitate to ask! It is very important to communicate with your professors by going to their office hours if you have questions from classes. They truly want their students to succeed, so no questions are dump questions. Also, stepping out of your comfort zone to make friends in classes is the best way to form good friendships in undergrad. Sometimes you need to balance your personal life and school in order to prevent burnout, your mental health is more important.
Aspirations (upon graduation):
Upon graduation, I am going to continue my study of chemistry in a research-focused graduate program for my PhD. I may also decide to pursue a postdoc, but that is still undecided.
What has been the most significant and/or exciting aspect of your work?
The two different synthetic routes of my project will be published in the Royal Society of Chemistry’s ChemSpider SyntheticPages open-access database. This project will become my Department Honors Thesis. In addition, after more of the synthesis has been verified and accomplished, a manuscript will comply for submission to Synthetic Communications.
Scholarships awarded while attending Millersville University
- R Edward Rajaseelan Chemistry Scholarship, Fall 2019 – Spring 2020
- Cecil M. Upton Organic Chemistry Award, Fall 2020 – Spring 2021
- Murley Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, Fall 2020
- Mentored Undergraduate Summer Experience (MUSE) Fellowship, Fall 2020 – Spring 2021