Goldwater Scholar Advances Medicine, Inspires Others

The chemistry major and recently named Goldwater Scholar from Ashtabula, Ohio, strives to understand how things work—how atoms interact and react with other molecules to create something that can improve health outcomes.

Making an Impact

Alayna was one of three Duquesne students granted the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship this year, a federal award that provides financial assistance for students committed to research careers in natural science, mathematics or engineering. Only 441 were given across the nation. 
 
Though Alayna originally planned to become a physician, she quickly learned there were many ways to contribute to the health care field, including behind-the-scenes work investigating and creating the tools needed to advance medicine. She pivoted her focus to research and hasn’t looked back.
 
Alayna recently presented her work at the National Conference of Undergraduate Research. She enjoyed speaking with researchers from across the country in addition to sharing her poster, entitled “Accessing group 13 and 14 Azadipyrromethene chelates via alkali salt precursors for applications in optical contrast material.” Her project focuses on editing Azadipyrromethene complexes to create safer and more effective contrast agents for medical imaging techniques like angiograms and CT scans.  
 
“Getting exposure to a lot of different populations of people with different experiences has been really helpful not just for my career, but for my research,” she said.

Bringing New Knowledge to the World

Alayna didn’t always have the confidence or academic skills to pursue her passions or present in front of a crowd. She credits Duquesne faculty and fellow students with helping her blossom.
 
“I grew up in a very small town and had a poor math and science background,” she said. “There was a girl who mentored me while I struggled through this, and she was a Goldwater Scholar. I remember telling one of my advisors that I wanted to be like her, and now I’m in the position to mentor other younger researchers and scientists.”
 
Alayna balances school, research and community involvement, all while thinking bigger and keeping her eye out for the next opportunity to contribute to advancements in medicine. Her Goldwater application covered her research in biomedical imaging dyes and their production. Her next project? Researching ways to make chemotherapy more potent and efficient.
 
The ability to participate in research projects early in her college studies drew Alayna to Duquesne, as well as the personalized attention from faculty who walk alongside her and trust in her potential.
 
“I’ve managed my own projects. I've managed other undergraduates’ projects, and I’ve trained others,” said Alayna. “I wouldn't have that opportunity if my advisor didn't push me.”

A Running Start on a Meaningful Career

Alayna plans to pursue a PhD in chemistry and work in the chemical industry or in medicinal chemistry.  For now, she’ll continue research in the School of Science and Engineering and carry on her efforts to influence the next generation of scientists.
 
“One of the bigger upsides of the Goldwater Scholarship (aside from the monetary aspect) is being able to mentor younger kids,” said Alayna. “Becoming the representation that I needed as a high school student has given me the platform to reach kids who might not realize they want to do research.”