“This was my first step into the policy world as a natural scientist, and it provided me with insight into potential career directions.”

Summer Responsibilities: Working with the assistant state forester, Hazel investigated the potential of using forest conservation and reforestation as a tool to protect source water throughout the state. She identified policies and laws that other states have adopted that strengthen this connection.

Background: Hazel focuses her research on developing live-cell monitoring probes for protein tyrosine phosphatases using chemical biology tools. During her career, Hazel has published as a co-author in ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letter and presented twice at ACS National Meetings. Her goal in life is to make contributions to benefit society and the human race through the lens of science, whether via developing life-saving drugs or advising policymaking that truly benefits the community.