Inspired by Prominent Figures in Chemistry: An Amgen Scholars Alumni Story
"I am working on the continuous flow synthesis of Tranexamic acid, a drug that works to prevent the excess loss of blood. My ultimate career goal is to pursue a government position conducting forensic science research on trace evidence, explosives."
Corshai Williams
Host University: MIT
Home University: Virginia Union University
Amgen Scholar Year: 2017
Major: Chemistry
Expected Graduation: May 2018
Journey to Science
How did you become interested in science?
I had an amazing high school teacher who dressed up as prominent figures in chemistry. She had such a positive personality, which I admired. I thought that if she had that energy and attitude doing chemistry, that’s what I wanted to do. Once I entered undergrad, I realized chemistry was much deeper than costumes. Chemistry is life to me. That’s not a play on words. It requires you to think outside the box all of the time, which is what life is about. You don’t necessarily know everything that’s going to happen, and in chemistry, you don’t know everything that’s going to happen either. So it teaches you more life skills than intellectual skills.
Academic and Professional Ambitions
What’s the larger significance of your Amgen Scholars research? What’s your ultimate career goal?
I am working on the continuous flow synthesis of Tranexamic acid, a drug that works to prevent the excess loss of blood. My ultimate career goal is to pursue a government position conducting forensic science research on trace evidence, explosives, and/or arsons. I am interested in forensic science because I have a passion for combining chemistry with criminal investigative thinking.
Why did you apply to the Amgen Scholars Program?
I didn’t really know anything about Amgen Scholars before applying. At my institution, we have a website that lists internships and Amgen Scholars was on there. I just applied. I am now very eager to get other peers to apply to be Amgen Scholars.
What aspects of the program did you enjoy most?
Amgen Scholars is the best program I have had the opportunity to participate in thus far. The hospitality of Amgen itself is amazing. The Program has allowed me to expand my horizons both intellectually and through networking.
To learn more about the Amgen Scholars Program, please visit AmgenScholars.com and check out the #AmgenScholars hashtag on Twitter. Follow @AmgenFoundation to stay up to date with all STEM-related news from the Amgen Foundation.
