Student Spotlight: Brooke Sabin

Brooke Sabin is a Spring 2020 graduate of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, part of the College of Arts and Sciences at Florida State University. At FSU, she was a member of the Kennemur Research Group, a polymer chemistry research team advised by associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry Justin Kennemur. Sabin was recently awarded the Grinter Fellowship from the University of Florida Graduate School to aid in her pursuit of a doctoral degree.

What brought you to FSU?

I loved the campus at Florida State and was immediately drawn in by the excellence of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. The students and faculty at FSU are friendly, and they truly make you feel welcome on campus.

What inspired you to study biochemistry?

I decided to pursue a biochemistry degree because I love science. Biology and chemistry are the backbones of life and ultimately explain how everything in life works, so having the opportunity to explore that is what encouraged me to study this science. In high school, my interest in science grew thanks to AP chemistry and biochemistry courses, which helped guide my ultimate decision to pursue a biochemistry degree.

What aspect of your area of study do you find most fascinating?

I enjoy how much chemistry exists in our everyday lives. When looking at ingredients for vitamins, creams, processed foods, and other household items, I see names of chemicals I learned about in class. This is the most fascinating aspect; understanding chemicals’ real-life uses makes learning the material much more interesting.

How did you become involved in the Kennemur Group?

I wanted to become involved in research, but I didn’t know what opportunities were available. The ChemiNoles, a nickname for FSU’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry members, hosted an Undergraduate Research Event to promote the diverse research conducted by the department, and I learned about the Kennemur Group at a poster session.

My research with the Kennemur Group focuses on synthesizing new and potentially useful polymers, which are natural and synthetic chemical compounds with molecules bonded together in long, repeating chains. Due to their complex structure, polymers have unique properties that can be tailored for different uses such as plastics, construction supplies, wool, natural rubber and more. My specific research involves synthesizing a polymer with potential underwater adhesive properties, which includes developing, synthesizing and characterizing polymers. To do that, we must determine molecular mass, structure, morphology, and thermal and mechanical properties to improve the performance of the material.

How did you earn a Grinter Fellowship? Why have you chosen to pursue a degree in polymer chemistry?

The Grinter Fellowship helps recruit “truly exceptional graduate students” to the University of Florida, so I was chosen by the admissions staff to receive it. This fellowship will allow me to focus on the specific type of research I’m interested in: synthesizing polymers with a medical application.

Polymer chemistry is incredibly diverse. It’s involved in making obvious things like plastic cups and adhesives but can also be used to make things like contact lenses. My main interest is merging biochemistry with polymer chemistry. One way to achieve this is by synthesizing adhesive bandage materials, like common Band-Aids, to heal cuts and skin abrasions.

Are there any faculty or staff who have helped and/or inspired you?

Doctor Kennemur has been a great mentor and has helped me immensely throughout my academic career, from discussing my research to helping me determine where to apply to graduate school.

In addition to Doctor Kennemur’s contributions, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry Edwin Hilinksi’s organic chemistry classes were essential to my success. Although his courses were challenging, Doctor Hilinski emphasized the importance of learning organic chemistry to the highest level and expected a lot from his students. His courses helped me understand organic chemistry at an elite level and taught me that with dedication and commitment, nothing is too difficult to learn.

How have you maintained your research and commitment to academic success due to the COVID-19 pandemic?

I’ve been preparing for graduate school by re-reading my organic chemistry book to ensure my knowledge of the material is clear. Additionally, I’m reading research papers to get a better understanding of not only the type of research I want to do but also what makes for a successful research paper. Some of the papers I’ve read introduce 3-D-printing with polymer chemistry and synthesize self-healing hydrogels.

What do you like to do when you’re not doing schoolwork or research?

I work out or go for long walks almost daily because it clears my mind and helps me focus on what I aim to accomplish. I love hiking, nature and being outdoors, so anytime I can be active outside, I will be.

Although you might miss FSU, what are you looking forward to in your post-graduate life? Do you have any plans for after earning your doctorate?

I am excited to have more time to research as a graduate student. Working in the lab as a ChemiNole helped me realize how much I enjoy fully indulging in my research, so I look forward to dedicating more time to research while pursuing my degree.

After earning my Ph.D., my career goals are to work in industry doing hands-on research for the medical field. Biochemistry and polymer chemistry work together to help with drug delivery systems, which are formulations that can control the rate, time and place of release of therapeutic drugs in the body. A knowledge of the biochemistry of the body is needed to understand the conditions under which the drug would need to be released. With my degrees, I aim to develop drug delivery systems or other polymers that have medical applications.

What advice do you have for fellow students?

Push yourself to get the most out of your classes and truly learn the material. No class is too difficult if you dedicate the time to understand it. College is supposed to be hard work, and while studying shouldn’t be everything, you should be excited about learning and dedicate your time to it.