Temitope Ibitoye is a Chemical Engineering major who will graduate in 2019.

My research is titled, "Photolysis of Macrolide Antibiotics at 253.7 NM". I work with Dr. Lee Blaney in the Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering department. Research in the Blaney Laboratory focuses on the intersection of environmental, analytical, organic, and inorganic chemistry. Our primary research interests are the (1) fate, transport, and toxicity of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in natural and engineered systems and (2) recovery of vital resources to ensure sustainable development. My advisor from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute program set up a 6-week rotation in Dr. Blaney’s laboratory. After that, Dr. Blaney invited me to continue bworking in his laboratory. He also encouraged me to apply for the Undergraduate Research Award (URA).

How did you know this was the project you wanted to do? One of my life goals is to help solve the global water crisis. I knew that one way that I could do this was to study Environmental Engineering during my undergraduate career. When I started at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County I learned that there was a lab on campus that conducts research concerning water quality, and I knew that I had to join this lab.

What academic background did you have before you applied for the URA? I had just completed the first semester of my sophomore year when I applied for the URA. I had completed about 6 months of research and had just passed my Chemical Engineering gateway requirements.

How much did your mentor help you with the application? I am still learning to write technical papers, but my mentor helped revise my application multiple times. He gave me valuable advice on writing and communicating my research.

What has been the hardest part about your research? There was a learning curve when I first joined the lab. I joined the lab in the spring semester of my freshman year. Many of the experiments I would run required knowledge that I had not acquired in class yet. I had to learn difficult concepts and apply them for my research.

What was the most unexpected thing? I did not expect to enjoy data analysis as much as I do. Deciphering the results I receive after weeks of research is very enjoyable.

How does your research relate to your work in other classes? All of my research requires skills that I am learning in my engineering and chemistry courses. As I learn more in my classes, I get a better grasp on the research that I am conducting.

What else are you involved in on campus? I am a member of the National Society of Black Engineers. Last semester, I was an athletic tutor, and about a year ago I volunteered weekly at the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter.

What is your advice to other students about getting involved in research? I would tell all students to try it out! Many people are scared that they do not have enough knowledge to participate in research, but that is not true! Nobody expects you to know everything from the get-go. You learn so much as you conduct research. 

What are your career goals? I would like to obtain a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering and continue working in water quality research. I would like to work to create water quality technology that can be used in lower resource regions.

Want to be a URA Scholar like Temitope? Apply for a URA award: https://ur.umbc.edu/ura/forms/

Questions? Contact Dr. April Householder at aprilh@umbc.edu

ur.umbc.edu

Attend the upcoming workshop on how to write a winning research proposal for a URA award: This Wednesday, Nov. 1 from 12-12:50pm in 113 Sherman Hall A-wing!