Kaitlyn McHugh

Projects

Synthesis, Characterization, and Flow Behavior of Biomaterial-based Fibers

FTIR Investigation of Rotational and Vibrational Properties of HCl and DCl

Determination of Nicotine Content in Cigarettes via GC-FID–Instrumental Analysis Laboratory

HPLC Analysis of Capsaicinoid Content in Various Hot Sauces–Instrumental Analysis Laboratory

Analysis of Caffeine Content in Soft Drinks via HPLC–Analytical Chemistry Laboratory

FTIR Spectroscopic Analysis of Polymers

Evaluation of Novel Bacteriophage Genome–Viral Genomes Laboratory

Courses

Chemistry

Honors General Chemistry 1 and 2

Honors Organic Chemistry 1 and 2

Analytical Chemistry

Instrumental Analysis

Physical Chemistry 1 and 2

Atoms, Molecules, and Materials

Laboratory

Honors General Chemistry 1 and 2

Organic Chemistry

Analytical Chemistry

Instrumental Analysis

Physical Chemistry

Biology

Foundations of Biology 1 and 2

Foundations of Biology Research Lab 2-Viral Genomes

Chemical Biology

Genetics

Sustainability

The Atmosphere, Oceans, and Climate

Environmental History

Physics

Physics for Science and Engineering 1 and 2

Laboratory Physics for Science and Engineering

Honors and Awards

Phillips Medal

February 2022

Given annually by the University of Pittsburgh Chemistry Department to the senior chemistry major with the most outstanding academic record

Richard F. Zarilla Award in Chemistry

February 2021

Given annually by the University of Pittsburgh Chemistry Department to three outstanding Chemistry majors based on demonstrated academic excellence and involvement in the undergraduate program

Bob Stroyne Award for Excellence in Preparation, Execution, and Presentation of a Laboratory Proposal

April 2021

Presented by the University of Pittsburgh Chemistry Department to 3 outstanding projects in the Instrumental Analysis Laboratory for the project titled “Analysis of the Mineral Content in Tuna Using ICP-OES”

Dean’s List

January 2019 to January 2022

Research Experience

Undergraduate Researcher–Osuji Group, University of Pennsylvania

June 2021–August 2021

Awarded $5500 from the Center for Engineering Mechanobiology for research on the project, “Synthesis, Characterization, and Flow Behavior of Biomaterial-based Fibers”
Synthesized microfibers from biodegradable natural polymers and investigated their potential as a replacement for synthetic polymers through characterization via optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and rheology
Selected to present a poster at the 2021 Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) Annual Meeting

Undergraduate Researcher–Millstone Group, University of Pittsburgh

September 2019–Present

Synthesize a variety of nanomaterials for graduate research projects, with a focus on photoreactor-synthesized nanoparticles compared to wet-bench samples and the effect of using different reducing agents on particle structure
Instrumental techniques involved utilizing centrifugation to filter particles, preparing TEM grids and XPS samples for analysis, sizing TEM images of particles, and performing ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy for characterization

Leadership Experience

Secretary–Circle K, University of Pittsburgh

September 2018–April 2021

Designed various service projects, fundraisers, and social events to keep members engaged, such as the Trick or Treat for UNICEF project which raised over $200 for their global water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiative
Created and updated a record of meeting details, event attendance, and service hours for over 20 members to notify the district and international boards of club progress on a monthly basis

Undergraduate Teaching Assistant–Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh

January 2020–April 2020

Led general chemistry recitation sections of about 20 students by working through practice problems or frequently missed quiz questions
Held office hours to help students with solving additional questions on homework or grasping the more difficult concepts that are taught in class

Work Experience

Chemistry Tutor–Study Lab, University of Pittsburgh

January 2021–Present

Lead one on one scheduled appointments with students discussing any topic or problems from class, while also utilizing and suggesting study strategies that can be used to improve their study habits

Cashier–Lowe’s Home Improvement

April 2020–August 2020

Cashier of the Month–May 2020
Scanned, organized, and bagged various items for customers in a quick and courteous manner on register
Responsible for troubleshooting complications with the system and solving problems for customers efficiently at self-checkout