Major: Biochemistry
Minor: Data Science
Hometown: San Diego, California

Junior biochemistry major Reese Sieger wears her personalized Rose-Hulman lab coat, which she received during her sophomore year, with pride.

"Science at Rose is awesome!" Sieger beamed. "Since [biochemistry] is such a small major, it is very personalized, and I'm able to make the curriculum my own. I also know everyone in my department, and we have our own fun little events like Soup Day and Dessert Day."

One such opportunity that Sieger joyfully seized was the Rose-Hulman Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (R-SURF) last summer. Sieger conducted paid research under the guidance of Rose-Hulman faculty to optimize procedures in sustainable organic chemistry, focusing on developing greener solvents and minimizing reagent usage. 

Sieger's project also contributed to reducing the environmental impact of carbonyl reductions and PET depolymerization processes, emphasizing sustainability and effective waste management strategies. 

"The opportunities that I have been provided here have allowed me to grow as a scientist in ways that I did not know were possible," she said. "The work is independent, and you are encouraged to learn by doing." 

This summer, Sieger's internship at Battelle National Biodefense Institute in Frederick, Maryland, specifically the National Bioforensics Analysis Center (NBFAC), will require national security clearance. The NBFAC is part of the National Biodefence Analysis and Countermeasures Center.

"The National Bioforensics Analysis Center conducts forensic analysis of evidence from suspected bioterrorism events and supports other federal agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in these concerns," Sieger said.

Sieger eagerly shares her unique Rose-Hulman experience with others through her role as both an Admissions A-Team tour guide, a member of the Orientation team, and the host of the Rose-Hulman podcast, RosePOD, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.

Sieger is also the president of Student Activities Board, which coordinates and hosts events for students to enjoy after class, including February's Month of a Million Laughs comedian series, and Delta Delta Delta sorority.

Sieger also represents her peers as vice president of recruitment for Panhellenic Council and as an off-campus senator for the Student Government Association.

Sieger, a Noblitt Scholar, values the connections she has made on campus.

"Rose-Hulman has given me the opportunity to take the classes that I want to take, do research in what I'm interested in, and has given me a community to fall back on and connect with," she said. "I am immensely grateful that I decided to go here because it has allowed me to do everything I have ever wanted to do when it comes to science."

Sieger is excited to explore her postgraduation prospects, comforted by the Chemistry & Biochemistry Department's historical 100% placement rate for graduates and the knowledge that her faculty will support her in finding the ideal path for her.