2/ and these folks are highly decorated with lots of achievements throughout the year. 1 Space Research Fellow, 1 McNair Scholar, 2 study abroad scholars, and ACS SEED fellow, oh my!

Today I asked my lab members to join me in a literature reading challenge. One scientific paper per day. Reading and keeping up to date on the scientific advances is a critical part of the research process. I’m super excited to see how much everyone reads at the end of January.

My students are talented both inside AND outside the lab. So glad I got to support Favour as he took on the big stage for his Christmas performance. And the birthday girl (Destiney) was there as well.

I have the best team on this side of heaven. Our first group photo! We enjoyed some hot pot as a post-semester celebration.

And just like that, my first semester as an assistant professor is complete! 😌 Here’s what we’ve been up to—

So incredibly proud of 2 of our undergraduate students for sharing their research and experiences for the first time! Kaylyn is a McNair Scholar who is studying the degradation kinetics of nanoparticles. And Sydney shared her work related to transdermal delivery with UGRS.

🚨New Headshot Alert🚨 As a part of the lab’s professional development, we went and took professional headshots together! It was so much fun and the students learned about another FREE resource on campus. Now I have my photo that will be used for the next 45 years 😂 #IYKYK

Sydney took over the Undergraduate Research Society’s instagram page today and was asked some interesting questions. Find out what the Simms Lab members love about research! 😊

It’s Friday, and one of the students decided to showcase one of his talents. We have a magician in the lab, y’all! He showed off 3 different tricks 😂 His slight of hand is also effective at making novel polymers!

When Yoda comes to visit your lab, you know the data is going to be GOOD! We have first time particle analyzers here, folks! And the data DOES look good! 😊 #HappyHalloween

The Simms Lab has been ✨Booked & Busy!✨ Last week, we participated in the Oesper Research Symposium and the undergraduate students debuted our current research projects and did a phenomenal job. We also made some friends over at P&G 💁🏾‍♀️ Collaboratiobs coming soon 🤭

I also got to see my STEM little sister!! @neurochemequeen Such a QUEEN! Honored to have shared the stage with you 💛

I had such a fantastic time presenting at #AfroBiotech2023!! I’m excited to translate these biomaterials to transdermal delivery and address some serious health equity concerns. 😊

Working hard, but playing harder between experiments 😂 The students took a cotton candy adventure.

ANNNNDDDD!! There’s a new DOCTA on the block! Super proud of my best friend for defending her dissertation today. Your work related to drug screening is so impactful and truly showcases what it takes to get therapeutics from the bench to the hospitals. So proud of you, sis 💛

Favour, one of the undergraduate students in my lab, set up his first reaction!! I’m so excited that he wanted to take on the challenge of synthesizing this brand new polymer system and I can’t wait to see what else he accomplishes in lab!