Undergraduate Research: Blaney Lab, UMBC

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 15:13:51 -0400
blaney, internship, research, student-highlight, summer-2022, ug, ug-research, ugrad

Margaret Therese Siao, ‘23 chemical engineering - biotechnology & bioengineering track

Internship Location:

Blaney Lab, UMBC

What is the focus of your research/internship?

I currently work on the detection of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in various samples, such as groundwater, wastewater, and biosolids. Using the solid phase extraction method to concentrate trace amounts of PFAS in our water samples, it becomes possible to determine how prevalent these durable compounds are in our environment.

What advice do you have for students who are interested in getting involved in research or an internship?

Reach out! It's daunting to ask professors you haven't met yet to join their lab. Especially if you feel like you're severely underqualified. You, as a student here at UMBC, have the potential to grow and gain those skills to feel 'qualified'. The same goes for internships. It never hurts to try, and the worst that can happen is that they say 'no', but then you can always move on.

Are you a member of any clubs/campus organizations?

AIChE, CSA

What are your goals after graduation?

Graduate School

Learn more about Margaret Therese Siao:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-therese-siao-964a27189/

Photo Credit: Margaret Therese Siao