Claire Beard

Background

About Claire Beard

I have always been an inquisitive individual, so naturally I was drawn to the physical sciences early on. I soon learned that chemistry was my passion. After receiving my B.S. in Chemistry, I immediately applied to a PhD program. I was accepted and a few months later I began my PhD journey. Learning the fundamental role of organic chemistry in the natural world immediately drew me into synthetic organic chemistry. I have gained a tremendous amount of experience in all things organic synthesis which include the development of novel synthetic pathways and the optimization of conditions that are cost effective and provide the highest yield of the desired compound. I also am apt in various techniques for product purification, spectroscopic methods such as NMR, IR, Mass Spec, and Gas Chromatography for production identification. In addition, I am experienced in various chemical software programs: ChemDraw, Spartan, and Avogadro. All of which are all used for quantum chemical calculations. Aside from my research skills, I have gained valuable leadership and communication skills through my work as an undergraduate laboratory instructor, supplemental instruction leader, and tutor. As an undergraduate instructor, I was not only in charge of handling students grades but also worked as a mentor for those who were struggling. Furthermore, through my appointment as the Environmental Health and Safety Liaison for my group's research lab, I have gained excellent organizational skills. I ensured our laboratory was in compliance with all of Environmental Health and Safety rules and regulations, and was in direct contact with an officer if there were any concerns. Lastly, I possess excellent presentation and critical thinking skills by presenting my research at various academic conferences, as well as presenting literature publications at many seminars. Through this, I have excelled in public speaking, and scientific communication.