HARRISBURG, PA — After graduating from Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) in 2024 with a degree in Integrative Sciences with a concentration in Chemistry (now offered as a Chemistry degree), Rebecca Conner is continuing her academic journey at University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she is pursuing a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry.
Since starting her program about two and a half years ago, Rebecca has joined an analytical research lab, built a strong friend group, passed her candidacy exam, and completed a first-author manuscript that is currently being reviewed by a collaborator. In addition, she was promoted to Head Teaching Assistant: a role that involves supporting other TAs, assisting in labs, and helping students during lectures.
Rebecca’s interest in pursuing a Ph.D. began early. “I knew that I wanted to get an advanced science degree since I was in high school when I first took a chemistry class. I had a really great teacher, Mr. Matia,” she shared. “But I think what solidified it for me was during a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) over the summer of my junior year at HU. It was a great opportunity to experience what grad school was like before I made a long-term commitment and moved my entire life to another state.”
One of her most significant recent accomplishments has been passing her doctoral candidacy exam. “This milestone is a huge step for me,” Rebecca said. “I did not grow up with a lot of money, and no one in my immediate family has a four-year degree, so being able to get a bachelor’s and now being a candidate for a Ph.D. with no debt is a huge accomplishment for me.”
Looking ahead, she is preparing for her new major requirement: the Original Research Proposal Exam (ORP). This process involves creating a completely independent research project that is unrelated to her current lab work, writing a proposal, collecting data, and defending her work in front of faculty. This milestone will take place later in her program, as she continues progressing through her Ph.D.
In addition to her current research, she recently began a new project involving microplastic research, and she is excited to start that journey.
Her day-to-day schedule reflects the demands of graduate school. Rebecca shared, “I typically work nine-hour days Monday to Friday and take work home on the weekend. I also hold four hours of office hours, teach two three-hour labs, and take one class. So, it’s a lot of working and not a lot of free time.”
Rebecca credits her time at Harrisburg University with helping to prepare her for the expectations of graduate school. Through Project I, Project II, and independent study, she gained hands-on experience designing experiments, analyzing data, and communicating research findings.
“Project II played a large part on further confirming what I wanted to do after graduating,” she said. “Conducting experiments that you planned and having to do the statistics and then writing about what your research means and why it matters is a huge part of what I’m doing now.”
She also noted that this experience gave her an advantage entering graduate school. “Luckily, since I had done Project I, II, and independent study, I was a lot more aware of what these next few years would be like,” she said, adding that many of her peers did not have prior research experience.
Throughout her time at HU, several faculty members played an important role in her journey, including Dr. Nagy, Dr. Santai, Dr. Harriger, Erica Ward, and Dr. Wang. Their mentorship supported her research, helped her secure an REU, and guided her through the graduate school application process.
“They probably watched and gave feedback on my presentations 50+ times, which I hated in the moment, but now I can see that has helped me significantly in my career as a graduate student,” she said.
Looking toward the future, Rebecca hopes to continue her work in a national laboratory setting. She is already gaining experience in that environment through her work with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where she uses their facility and collaborates with a staff scientist.
For current HU students considering graduate school or a career in research, Rebecca emphasizes the importance of being intentional and prepared for the workload. “I would say before you go, make sure that is what you really want,” she said. “It is a significant amount of work, and I think it’s super important to build your support system early.”
She also highlighted the importance of community and balance. “You get put with a cohort when you join, and you spend a lot of time with those people, so try to step outside of your comfort zone and talk to them. Be ready to spend a lot of late nights and weekends doing work. At the same time, make sure you know your limits, and give yourself breaks!”
# # #
ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University of Science & Technology (HU) is an independent, nonprofit university offering degrees in advanced manufacturing, engineering, robotics, nursing, cybersecurity, and other critical fields. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, HU serves a diverse student body through bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs that link learning and research with practical applications. For information about HU’s affordable STEM degrees and professional development programs, call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay in the know by following Harrisburg University on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
MEDIA CONTACT
Do you have questions about this story? Interested in lining up an interview? Please contact Dan Wilhelm, Communications Manager for Harrisburg University of Science & Technology, at DWilhelm@HarrisburgU.edu or 717.901.5100×1724.
# # #
