I came back from SERMACS energized and grateful—for the science, the mentorship, and the people who make both possible. The meeting was a whirlwind in the best way, and I left with a notebook full of ideas and a clearer sense of where my work fits in the broader chemical enterprise.

My first conference oral presentation

Giving my first talk was both nerve‑wracking and thrilling. Once I got going, the room’s energy turned those nerves into momentum. The turn out for the Polymer session was greater than expected: I was told to expect ~5-10 people; the actual number was closer to 30! The Q&A felt like a mini‑mentorship session: thoughtful questions, specific suggestions, and encouragement that sharpened my next steps. I left with actionable feedback I can use immediately—how to frame the project to greater the impact for experimentalists. I’m genuinely proud of that milestone and grateful for the support behind it.

The Chemical Patent Workshop

The session demystified how ideas travel from lab bench to protected intellectual property. We walked through the lifecycle of an invention, from documenting novelty to understanding prior art and thinking strategically about claims. I appreciated the practical advice—how to partner with tech transfer, what to consider before submitting a manuscript, and how to frame our work so its real-world impact is clear. It shifted how I’ll plan experiments and communicate results. I never knew the career opportunities for chemists as patent agents. Anyone with a Bachelors degree can sit for the Patent Bar exam - I wonder if I completed my Patent Agent license if the University will let me GA for the Research and Innovation department.

People make the meeting

The best part of SERMACS was the community. I met new colleagues whose perspectives will shape how I think and work, and already‑established friendships grew closer over coffee, poster aisles, and long hallway chats.

Special shoutouts to David Basnet and Tolulope Alaye from Dr. Alexander’s group. It was great to have friends to rely on throughout the trip.

Too much great science to list

There were too many great presentations to mention, but it was great to see a wide range of research with both academic and industry presentations. That blend—fundamental discovery alongside scale‑up, sustainability, and translational challenges—made the program feel especially relevant. It’s motivating to see how the questions we ask in the lab map onto the problems companies and communities are trying to solve right now.

What comes next

I’m organizing my notes, reaching out to new contacts, and integrating the feedback from my talk into the next iteration of my work. I’m also lining up internship applications and sketching a plan to apply what I learned from the patent workshop to our current projects. SERMACS delivered exactly what I hoped for: fresh science, practical skills, and a stronger network. I’m thankful to the organizers, speakers, and everyone who made time to connect—see you at the next meeting.

Group Photo of University of Memphis Graduate Students at SERMACS — Photo taken by my wife, Michaela Baker.