Rachel Alvelais

Degrees

PhD in Chemistry, Expected 2023
BS in Chemistry, UC Santa Barbara 2018

Research

Investigating redox-active ligands in metal complexes for sustainable catalysis.

Biography

Rachel Alvelais is a writer, artist, and scientist born and raised in California. In 2018 she received her BS in chemistry from the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she was recognized as a University of California Undergraduate Research Ambassador for her work as a young scientist, as well as her dedication to increasing research access for first-generation, minority, and low-income students through her work with the Center for Science and Engineering Partnerships (CSEP). She is When she's not hanging out with her trusty PhDoggo, LUMO, that is.

Why is science communication important to you personally?

For many years, I loved science but could not picture myself pursuing any specific STEM career, because all of the scientists I saw on television didn't look like me and acted like explaining their science was a bother. But my first undergrad research experience emphasized that scientists should in fact be able to explain their science to the public, and that many scientists are down-to-earth, diverse, and creative people. I think that good science communication, trust, and representation, go hand-in-hand with encouraging new generations of scientists, and creating a more educated and accepting world overall.

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