Melanie A. Brunet
Melanie A. Brunet is a graduate student in chemical and biomolecular engineering who is advised by Mary L. Kraft. Their research group develops and implements bioimaging, single-cell analysis, and multivariate statistical techniques to address challenges in tissue engineering, viral infection, and cell biology.
Why did you choose ChBE for graduate school?
I chose ChBE for graduate school because it offered me the opportunity to conduct research on topics that were of interest to me while acquiring the skillset needed to prepare myself for my future career.
What is your favorite part about graduate school, so far?
My favorite part about graduate school is being able to learn about advanced topics in engineering and apply that knowledge to solving problems related to my research. Another thing that I equally enjoy is teaching students and inspiring them through my work.
What has been a highlight of your time at UIUC?
A highlight of my time at UIUC was when I was the TA for the ChBE 421 class in the Spring 2022. I had the pleasure of lecturing exceptional undergraduate students during my discussion classes. My main motivation during my lectures was to inspire and motivate my students to study and enjoy chemical engineering topics. As a result of this, I was awarded the 2022 School of Chemical Sciences (SCS) Graduate Teaching Award.
What does diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to you?
To me diversity, equity, and inclusion means that individuals from different backgrounds can feel comfortable, respected, and valued in all spaces.
Why do you believe having a diverse environment for graduate school is important?
Having a diverse environment is important because it ensures all individuals are treated equally and with respect, which results in graduate students feeling comfortable in their department and workplace.
What are some DEI initiatives that you take part in on/off campus?
I have participated in the MERGE student Q&A panel for two years and in one-on-one meetings with ASPIRE students. These programs focus on recruiting underrepresented minority students. In addition to this, I have hosted an info session along with my advisor to recruit students from Puerto Rico. All these activities had the goal of encouraging and motivating underrepresented minority students (like me) to pursue graduate studies at UIUC.
Tell us about a time you have advocated for DEI on campus?
I served as a mentor for a Puerto Rican student who participated in the Summer Predoctoral Institute (SPI) program. This program is focused on familiarizing incoming underrepresented minority students with research, their home department, classes, program requirements, etc. In addition to this, I have participated as a Q&A panelist in SPI where I had the opportunity to share my experience in graduate school and answer questions related to graduate school.