Dr. Dev, The Advocate
Dr. Dev's current role allows her to advocate for students looking to join the pharmaceutical industry. She is heavily involved in recruiting efforts as well as internal efforts to increase a sense of inclusion and belonging in her department. She meets with students regularly to help develop career plans that align with their goals.
In graduate school, Dr. Dev served as a mentor to 10 students (8 in a formal capacity and 2 informally), served as chapter president of The Ohio State University's National Organization for the Professional Advancement for Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE), and as the chapter vice president of OSU's Black Graduate and Professional Student Caucus. She's also was a recruiter for the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry PhD program. Outside of The Ohio State, she's taught a chemistry summer camp at her alma mater, Bishop McNamara High School, and has been part of #MacScientist's workshops at the annual National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) conference. Highlights are below.
In graduate school, Dr. Dev served as a mentor to 10 students (8 in a formal capacity and 2 informally), served as chapter president of The Ohio State University's National Organization for the Professional Advancement for Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE), and as the chapter vice president of OSU's Black Graduate and Professional Student Caucus. She's also was a recruiter for the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry PhD program. Outside of The Ohio State, she's taught a chemistry summer camp at her alma mater, Bishop McNamara High School, and has been part of #MacScientist's workshops at the annual National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) conference. Highlights are below.
Dr. Dev, The Mentor
Below are a few kind words from students Devin has mentored. If you're looking for a mentor or want tips on how to be a better STEM mentor, contact Dr. Dev via the form on the Contact page.
George Durisek, III, Former Undergraduate Researcher at The Ohio State
Working with Devin for seven semesters was one of my most influential experiences during my undergraduate studies. Devin not only gave me many opportunities to advance my laboratory skills, but always provided me with the “how” and “why” of our work, allowing me to understand the scientific meaning behind my tasks and develop a full picture of what we were trying to achieve. Devin’s knowledge of her work was always shown by her ability to explain complex topics and methods in simplified ways so that young undergraduate researchers could understand them. When I first started working with Devin, I was a naïve sophomore needing constant guidance in my work, but by time I graduated, Devin had transformed me into an independent researcher with two publications and a poster presentation at a research forum. I would not have been able to achieve these accomplishments without the help and support Devin provided me.
Working with Devin for seven semesters was one of my most influential experiences during my undergraduate studies. Devin not only gave me many opportunities to advance my laboratory skills, but always provided me with the “how” and “why” of our work, allowing me to understand the scientific meaning behind my tasks and develop a full picture of what we were trying to achieve. Devin’s knowledge of her work was always shown by her ability to explain complex topics and methods in simplified ways so that young undergraduate researchers could understand them. When I first started working with Devin, I was a naïve sophomore needing constant guidance in my work, but by time I graduated, Devin had transformed me into an independent researcher with two publications and a poster presentation at a research forum. I would not have been able to achieve these accomplishments without the help and support Devin provided me.
Bridget Walsh, Former Undergraduate Researcher at The Ohio State
As an undergraduate biochemistry student at The Ohio State University, I worked with Devin for two and a half years. I first joined Dr. Badu- Tawiah’s research group as a second semester sophomore. I had no analytical chemistry experience and was quite nervous to work in a lab. Devin was my go- to person throughout my entire research experience. She mentored me and three additional undergraduate students during my time in the lab. Devin always made sure I didn’t just know how to complete the weekly experiments, but that I also understood why we were doing each particular trial. I went from knowing next to nothing about mass spectrometry to being able to explain back to Devin why we were testing the variables we chose and what information we could learn from it. Devin fosters a learning environment that encourages outside- the- box questions and ideas, enables students to challenge themselves without fear of failure, and results in a mastery of subject matter. Not only did I learn technical skills through my time working with Devin, but I also learned many professional skills that I have carried with me during my own graduate school experience. I am so grateful for having the experience to work with Devin for such an extended period of time. I am a better professional and scientist because of our time together!
As an undergraduate biochemistry student at The Ohio State University, I worked with Devin for two and a half years. I first joined Dr. Badu- Tawiah’s research group as a second semester sophomore. I had no analytical chemistry experience and was quite nervous to work in a lab. Devin was my go- to person throughout my entire research experience. She mentored me and three additional undergraduate students during my time in the lab. Devin always made sure I didn’t just know how to complete the weekly experiments, but that I also understood why we were doing each particular trial. I went from knowing next to nothing about mass spectrometry to being able to explain back to Devin why we were testing the variables we chose and what information we could learn from it. Devin fosters a learning environment that encourages outside- the- box questions and ideas, enables students to challenge themselves without fear of failure, and results in a mastery of subject matter. Not only did I learn technical skills through my time working with Devin, but I also learned many professional skills that I have carried with me during my own graduate school experience. I am so grateful for having the experience to work with Devin for such an extended period of time. I am a better professional and scientist because of our time together!
Yaman Kouatli, Former Undergraduate Researcher at The Ohio State
My laboratory experience with Devin was an exceedingly enriching opportunity for the advancement of my future career in medicine. In August 2017, I worked with her as a Research Assistant with Badu Group at The Ohio State University. Having minimal experience in a research setting, Devin believed in my ability to thrive in this professional setting and dedicated a substantial amount of time ensuring I had the tools to succeed in my position. This opportunity gave me a tremendous appreciation for the field of research. I am gratuitous to have had an exceptional mentor and colleague.
My laboratory experience with Devin was an exceedingly enriching opportunity for the advancement of my future career in medicine. In August 2017, I worked with her as a Research Assistant with Badu Group at The Ohio State University. Having minimal experience in a research setting, Devin believed in my ability to thrive in this professional setting and dedicated a substantial amount of time ensuring I had the tools to succeed in my position. This opportunity gave me a tremendous appreciation for the field of research. I am gratuitous to have had an exceptional mentor and colleague.