Outstanding Seniors in the College of Science: Kristen Roehling
This spring, each department in the University of Arizona's College of Science nominated an outstanding senior who went above and beyond during their time as a Wildcat. We are pleased to share their stories as they reflect on their time at UArizona. Our next Outstanding Senior is Kristen Roehling in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
Kristen Roehling
Department: Chemistry and Biochemistry
College of Science: Why did you choose your area of study?
Roehling: When I entered college, I knew I wanted to combine my vast interests to contribute positively to research. Starting in kindergarten, I was fascinated with space and how the universe worked. I would bring books about space to read on the bus to school, and I loved my rotating solar system and glow-in-the-dark stars on my childhood bedroom’s ceiling. While I knew I could never be an astronaut since even reading in the car would make me queasy, I knew that lots of people worked behind the scenes conducting fascinating space research. Later, in high school, I discovered my love for math. I could combine my creative and analytical skills to unravel how the world works around me. And last but not least, I found my love for chemistry. My high school chemistry class mainly consisted of experimental work, which was my favorite part of every day. I loved creating a mental model for how the world works on a chemical level and then using that model to make sense of my observations. Ultimately, these interests have led me to pursue a career in physical chemistry, focusing on astrochemistry.
COS: Tell us about a class or research project you really enjoyed.
Roehling: I have conducted research in the Kukolich group studying dimers in the gas phase using microwave spectroscopy. In the Kukolich group, I have enjoyed the many research skills I have acquired by examining a variety of molecules. I have learned how to conduct quantum calculations, plan experiments, analyze results, work on the instruments, and program. I primarily study dimers with interesting hydrogen bonding dynamics, which can be compared to the hydrogen bonding in DNA base pairs. I also interned at the Air Force Research Laboratory. I will always appreciate my time at AFRL for the fascinating research I participated in, the role models I met, and the friends I made.
COS: What is one specific memory from your time at UA that you'll cherish forever?
Roehling: Throughout my time at UA, I have had several opportunities to visit nearby telescopes. I’ve enjoyed visiting Catalina Sky Survey with my PTYS 416 class to see the 1.0-meter telescope used to detect near-Earth objects. With ASTR 488A, I went to Kitt Peak to see how radio astronomy is conducted. I’ve also been to fun star parties with Arizona NASA Space Grant and ASTR 250, where we observed beautiful objects in the sky with optical telescopes. I’ve been grateful to have so many chances to visit different telescopes, and I will always cherish these nights.
COS: What is next for you after graduation?
Roehling: I have accepted an offer to pursue a Ph.D. in physical chemistry at the California Institute of Technology this fall. I plan to research astrochemistry, atmospheric chemistry, and/or spectroscopy at Caltech. I hope to work for a national laboratory, NASA, or Jet Propulsion Laboratory in the long term. This summer, I plan to travel to Spain and Thailand, work for a family business, and pursue some old and new hobbies.