Chemistry – Outstanding Senior 2021

Clubs, Organizations, Leadership, and Service

• Environmental Sustainability Alliance, ASWSU, Vice Chair
• Scientista Foundation, WSU Chapter, President and Director of Public Relations
• Alpha Phi Fraternity, VP of Risk Management
• Residence Hall Association, Environmental Chair
• Emerging Leaders Program

Internships and Employment

• Skagit County Clerk’s Office

Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate research with PI Qiang Zhang, Small Molecule and Multi-functional Materials Group

Awards and Recognition

• Distinguished Regents Scholar
• Herbert L., Margaret G. Eastlick Scholarship
• Ron Casebier Scholarship, Chemistry
• Art and Helen Brunstad Scholarship
• Skagit Scholarship, WSU Alumni Association
• Washington State Honors Award
• Recognition for Science, American Association or University Women
• Boeing Scholar, Technical Assistant

Education Abroad

Alicante, Spain to take two Honors Courses

Faculty Comments

Lydia Is one of the top students we have ever had go through the Chemistry program. She has an outstanding academic record but is also highly involved across campus. As a chemistry major she has not only been involved in research in Prof Qiang Zhang’s lab, where she will be an author on two publications, but she Is also the first chemistry major to be a Boeing Scholar and is working on that project in parallel. She has been accepted to graduate school and will be an exceptional ambassador of what WSU Chemistry majors are capable of. – Kirk Peterson

Personal Statement

I am deeply grateful to the entire WSU community for all of the opportunities and support I have had throughout the last four years. I have grown and learned so much from my experience here. I am thankful for all of the people who have supported me, including my parents, friends, professors, and mentors. I am especially grateful for my advisor, Jeremy Lessmann, and my PI, Qiang Zhang, for their support and encouragement. I truly believe that I could not have had a more meaningful experience anywhere other than WSU.

Honored Faculty and Mentors

• Jeremy Lessmann, Chemistry
• Qiang Zhang, Chemistry
• Louis Scudiero, Chemistry
• Lynne Cooper, Boeing Scholars Program
• Matt Hurlock, Chemistry

Future Plans

Lydia will attend graduate school at University of California San Diego to earn her PhD in inorganic chemistry.