The core facilities offered at Northwestern are incredible! I have access to so many cutting-edge instrumentations that make my research possible.”
Seryeong Lee
PhD Candidate in the Department of Chemistry
Seryeong Lee is a PhD candidate in the Department of Chemistry in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. She is researching how the atomic environment of metals in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) influences their catalytic properties. Seryeong is also a member of many campus organizations, serving as a board member of the Graduate Student Association (GSA) and Phi Lambda Upsilon (PLU), and is the CARES liaison for NuBonD.
How would you describe your research and/or work to a non-academic audience?
I use metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which are porous, crystalline materials, to understand how the surrounding atomic environment of metals like cobalt, nickel, and molybdenum affects their ability to catalyze difficult reactions. Currently, I'm studying systems related to hydrogen storage and release, which is important for alternative fuel technologies.
What have been some of the most memorable twists and turns of your career?
I thought that I would most enjoy the event planning and budgeting for the student organizations I joined, but I discovered I actually love making graphics. I often spend hours studying the work of graphic designers to make more interesting and creative flyers.
What do you find both rewarding and challenging about your research and/or work?
When I'm toiling away at my work late at night, I feel like I'm entering a liminal space where time doesn't exist, work is never-ending, and I have no idea how I got here. But often, these sessions are what brings me to the result that I was hoping for in my research, and I feel relieved knowing that all that effort wasn't for nothing.
Why Northwestern?
The core facilities offered at Northwestern are incredible! I have access to so many cutting-edge instrumentations that make my research possible. Beyond that, the people I've met here are so friendly and helpful—they make my day to day so much fun and I can't imagine doing graduate school without them.
How do you unwind after a long day?
I like hanging out with my friends after work, either at someone's place or out in Chicago. When I'm alone, I like to enjoy a good meal while I watch some of my favorite TV shows (currently Severance and White Lotus)! If I'm feeling creative, I'll crochet some whale stuffed animals.
What books are on your bedside table?
Currently, Dune. I've been holding onto this copy for over a year, and I'm still too intimidated to start it. On the back burner, I also have Stephen King's The Shining.
Publish Date: April 1, 2025
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