Sarah M. Coleman ’19
"I’ve met great classmates and lifelong friends, learned about the world we live in in a way I never could’ve imagined, and challenged myself to do things I didn’t think I was capable of. I’ve had the opportunity to meet and work with professors at the top of their fields, travel around for ChemE conferences, and connect with inspiring classmates, faculty, staff, and graduate students."
Sarah M. Coleman '19
Chemical Engineering
How did you decide on Course X for your undergrad major?
I knew that I was interested in Chemical Engineering ever since my IB chemistry class junior year of high school. During one of our lab days, we got to synthesize aspirin. While it was very impure and probably would have killed you if ingested, it was my first experience with chemical synthesis and I just thought it was the coolest thing ever. I asked my teacher what career I could have involving synthesis of these chemicals and she told me about Chemical Engineering. I went home and googled more about what ChemEs do, and I’ve been set on it as my major ever since!
How would you describe your experience so far in Course X?
Course X has been the most challenging and rewarding experience of my life to date. I’ve met great classmates and lifelong friends, learned about the world we live in in a way I never could’ve imagined, and challenged myself to do things I didn’t think I was capable of. I’ve had the opportunity to meet and work with professors at the top of their fields, travel around for ChemE conferences, and connect with inspiring classmates, faculty, staff, and graduate students.
What are your plans post-graduation?
After graduation, I am looking to pursue a PhD in Chemical Engineering, most likely in a biological-related field. After I graduate with my PhD, I would love to go back into the biopharmaceutical industry where I’ve done my internships, most likely in some sort of process development role.
How has your MIT ChemE experience helped you follow your goals/passions?
One of my favorite things about MIT ChemE is our student club, AIChE (American Institute of Chemical Engineers). I met the company I interned with last summer through the Industrial Networking Series they organize, and with it discovered my passion for biopharmaceutical process development. As president of the club, I’ve had lots of opportunities for personal growth as a leader and to help bring together the ChemE community, one of my personal goals.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
If you’re interested in Chemical Engineering, be sure to check out the advising seminars, 10.00, or our FPOP! I’ve been involved with FPOP planning for the past three iterations and it’s always my favorite time of year.