I am a third year PhD student in Fiber and Polymer Science at NC State, where I am also working on a Graduate Certificate in Public Policy. My PhD research focuses on developing new copper-based dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells with the goal of improving efficiency and stability. In addition, I currently hold an internship in the Office of Public Science for the NC State College of Sciences, which has allowed me to pursue public outreach and engagement activities and given me a new passion for citizen science. I am excited to be writing for the LA Times in summer 2017 as a AAAS Mass Media Fellow.