Name

Katrina Battle

School

Louisiana State University

Degree Program

Fourth year PhD student in Analytical Chemistry

Previous Degrees

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Jackson State University, 2008

Dissertation Topic

Membrane proteins and indigenous cell environments

Advisor

Steven Soper

Advisor’s Research Focus

Biomedical engineering; Microfluidics

Hobbies

Listening to music, reading, playing basketball

Graduate School – Application Process

How did you select your graduate school or program?

My path to Louisiana State University’s PhD program in analytic chemistry is somewhat unusual because I completed a bachelors degree program that required me to apply to PhD programs. Louisiana State University was not necessarily my first choice but my undergraduate program was geared directly toward preparing students for graduate school. I was required to apply to at least 5 PhD programs. I initially applied to Louisiana State because I was under a deadline.

However, I ended up choosing Louisiana State University because of the school’s culture. I was drawn to their program because it encouraged diversity. I also visited the campus and I liked the professors and students in the program.

What did you do to prepare yourself for graduate school?

In order to prepare for graduate school, I gained field experience through internships. For instance, I completed an internship with the FBI and I believe that helped prepare me for graduate school and also helped my application to stand out. In addition to helping me prepare for my program, I think that getting field experience helped me secure funding once I began the program.

Did your application requirements include standardized test scores?

Yes, when I applied to my PhD program in analytical chemistry I was required to submit GRE scores. To prepare for the test, I took a prep course as an undergraduate. In the course, I took practice tests and was able to discuss my answers with the proxy. When it came time to take the test, I bought a prep book to review, but I did not get a chance to do any review before the test. I did not get as high of a score as I would have liked but I did not retake the test because I felt that the programs I was applying to would look at my application as a whole, rather than just focus on my GRE scores.

What kind of information did you include in your personal statement?

In my personal statement I wrote about my research experience and my strengths, and I also discussed some of the weaker areas reflected in my transcript. I felt that it was better to acknowledge the weaknesses in my application and explain that I learned from my experiences and could do better, than to ignore them.

How did you choose faculty to approach for letters of recommendation?

For my letters of recommendation, I approached people who knew me personally and could attest to my work ethic. I asked 2 people I had worked for in the chemistry department of my undergraduate program, and also a biology professor who was in charge of some of my undergraduate research.

Do you have any other tips for a student who is considering applying to graduate school in analytical chemistry?

If you are considering applying to graduate school in analytical chemistry, I suggest that you start your research and applications early. First, investigate programs that have research areas that interest you. If you can, visit the schools you apply to and speak with the faculty. You should especially try and visit schools if you are worried about the strength of your application because if you go and meet people they might be more likely to work with you.

Graduate School – The Program

How long is your program and how is the curriculum distributed?

My PhD program in analytical chemistry typically takes between 4 and 5 years to finish. The exact length of the program depends on the student’s research. The program is divided between coursework and the dissertation. During the first 3 years, students take classes that relate to their research interests. In the beginning of the third year, students are required to pass a written exam in order to move into the dissertation phase of the program. Then students choose a dissertation committee and present a research proposal. Once their research proposal has been approved, students officially become PhD candidates and focus strictly on dissertation work.

What is the focus of your dissertation research?

My dissertation research is in microfluidics. I work with the membrane proteins of cells and try to find a way to purify them and keep them isolated from other proteins that can contaminate my samples. I am investigating membrane proteins because they are being regarded by scientists as potential biomarkers and targets for cancer research.

Can you describe the process of researching for and writing your dissertation?

I have not begun writing my thesis yet, but I will soon. Right now I am researching and also trying to compose something that I can publish and put toward my dissertation. Next semester, I will start the actual writing portion of my dissertation.

Does your program have an internship component?

No, students in my PhD program in analytical chemistry are not required to do an internship but some of my classmates have done internships. I think it is a good idea because an internship will open the door to a job after graduation. Some companies also offer funding in exchange for an internship, so there are other benefits to completing an internship, even though it is not required.

What role does your advisor play in your education?

My advisor plays a huge role in my education. We have a mutual respect and he helps me through my career as a graduate student. I have an excellent rapport with my advisor. I think it is very important for graduate students to have strong relationships with their advisors because, to some extent, an advisor has a hand in a student’s destiny.

Does your doctoral program require comprehensive exams prior to graduation?

Yes, I had to complete a written exam at the beginning of my third year in order to begin the dissertation portion of my PhD program.

Graduate School – Paying for It

How much does your PhD program cost?

I do not know how much my PhD program at Louisiana State University costs because I receive funding and do not have out-of-pocket costs.

How are you funding your education?

I am funding my education in analytical chemistry through a research fellowship that I receive from the National Science Foundation. As far as I know, most students in my PhD program also receive similar funding, and some professors provide research grant money as well. Louisiana State also has research assistantships available.

In order to pay for living expenses while I am in graduate school, I saved up money working at a job during the summer before I began the program. My savings from that job provide me with enough extra money to live off of, and I have not had to take out any loans.

Graduate School – Living Life

What are the time commitments for a PhD in analytical chemistry?

Most days, I arrive at the lab by 10:00 a.m., and I usually try to stay until 5:30 or 6:00 p.m. Conducting research is not a 9 to 5 job. I often have to come in earlier and stay much later. My schedule varies from day to day, depending on where I am in the process of my work. Sometimes I go to school on the weekends but I also try and make time for myself on the weekends so I don’t go crazy.

How has graduate school affected your personal life?

One way that graduate school has affected my family is that I live a long distance from my family now, and I don’t get to see them often. Graduate school has not had much impact on my social life because I am able to make friends through my department and we understand each other’s struggles and obligations to school.

Graduate School – After Graduation

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years, I hope to be working in the field or completing a postdoctoral position with the government. I plan to eventually teach but I would like to build my resume and gain experience in the field first. For the most part, I hope to be on track to a successful career where I can be financially comfortable.

Graduate School - Advice

What insights can you offer a student who is interested in pursuing a PhD in analytical chemistry?

If you are interested in pursuing a PhD in analytical chemistry, the best advice I can offer is to make sure this is a field that truly interests you. A lot of students enter this program and don’t make it past the first year. You will have to dedicate a chunk of your life to earning your PhD and you have to take it seriously, so make sure that this is the career path you want to take. If you can see yourself working in analytical chemistry years from now, this might be right for you, but if you can see yourself doing something else then it might be better to try and pursue that instead.