CBC Student Spotlight: Maddie Tibayan

Chemistry major, Undergraduate Biology Research Program (UBRP), and a W. A. Franke Honors College Student

This summer, I had the privilege of participating in the Undergraduate Biology Research Program (UBRP). The prospect of entering a research lab can be daunting, but UBRP provided me with the necessary resources and support to excel both inside and outside the lab.

Beyond simply fostering a community of like-minded peers, UBRP cultivates an atmosphere of curiosity and learning through its weekly seminars and workshops. Through this program, I was fortunate enough to connect with my current mentor, Dr. Jeanne Pemberton, as our group collaboratively explores the characteristics of a new functional material known as glyonic liquids. Noteworthy for its unique properties and biodegradability, this substance presents itself as an environmentally-friendly alternative to commonly used surfactants, holding immense promise for future applications in electrochemical devices.

Irrespective of one's future aspirations, I encourage all University of Arizona students to embrace research during their academic journey. Not only is it rewarding to contribute to the scientific community, but it also offers incredible opportunities to establish meaningful connections and acquire a wealth of knowledge along the way.