As Missouri State University celebrates its graduating class this fall, Grace Atkins will stands out as an example of dedication and passion in the field of chemistry.  

From West County, St. Louis, she joined the university in fall 2020, majoring in chemistry.

Discovering a passion 

Atkins’ love for chemistry ignited in high school, where a transformative AP chemistry class shifted her focus from an aspiring artist to a budding scientist.  

“I really loved the subject. It just made sense to me and the pieces fell into place,” she said. 

This newfound passion led her to MSU, where she confidently declared chemistry as her major and graduated with her Bachelor of Science in December 2023. Now in the accelerated master’s program,  Atkins is on track to graduate in December. 

“I chose Missouri State because it offered the perfect balance of staying close to home in St. Louis and having an excellent chemistry program,” Atkins said. “The campus and facilities really stood out to me during my visit, and I just felt it was the right fit compared to other schools I toured.” 

In her program, she does research on thermoelectric materials, where she seeks to develop cost-effective alternatives to expensive compounds like rhenium silicide. These materials are important because they can convert temperature differences into electrical energy. 

“These materials have low thermal conductivity, which allows one side to remain cold while the other is heated, creating a temperature gradient that generates a voltage,” she said. 

These materials can be used in various applications, such as recovering waste heat from car engines or electronics, where they help convert lost heat into usable energy. 

Being a Bear 

Throughout her time at MSU, Atkins has been actively engaged in her academic community. She has been a vital member of Dr. Fei Wang’s research group beginning her freshman year. Wang is an associate professor of chemistry. 

“Working closely with Dr. Wang has taught me invaluable techniques and provided me with hands-on experience that I wouldn’t have gained otherwise,” Atkins said. “This mentorship has not only deepened my knowledge, but also built my confidence as a researcher.” 

Atkins also embraced campus life at Missouri State. While she participated in various events and activities, one standout experience was May Day, a festival that fosters community spirit during the stressful finals period.  

For incoming students, Atkins offers this advice: 

“Keep an open mind and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way.” Atkins said, “College is the perfect time to discover your interests and passions, and that’s exactly how I ended up pursuing chemistry.” 

The future 

As graduation approaches, Atkins is considering several exciting job opportunities in forensics and research and development. While she is not planning to pursue a PhD immediately, she remains open to future possibilities. 

 “Being part of the Missouri State community has been incredibly rewarding,” she said. “I’m eager to apply what I’ve learned and continue to grow in my field.” 

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