Whether at 14 or 20, safety came before stoichiometry. In settings without a fume hood and with limited workspace, a full-face respirator was used for routine tasks, and inline quench bubblers were added for higher-hazard steps. This mindset has been reinforced over time through additional training and more rigorous controls. 

At UT Austin I finally found like-minded people, and together we grew communities and created hands-on learning for kids and college students. Partnering with the UT Glass Shop made it possible to reach hundreds rather than individuals: fixtures and jigs were designed so staff and volunteers could batch-fabricate durable demo parts, and safety and handling were built into every step. Projects like the Trash Drone and the Waterwheel Generator moved beyond static displays to kinetic demonstrations of energy conversion and control. Each build balanced clarity, reliability, and aesthetics so the science felt approachable and memorable. 

Through TMSE, I helped turn interest into opportunity. As an officer, I worked with companies to bring resume reviews, lab tours, and technical talks to campus, connecting tens of students interested in materials science with mentors, internships, and project ideas.

Designed and made the glass pieces I needed, then put them straight to work. Sketched the shapes, set the sizes, shaped them at the torch, and sealed them up. Each piece was cleaned, checked for leaks, fitted with simple connectors, and used in real experiments. The tools fit the job instead of the job bending to the tools. I spanned the full cycle of scientific glass, going from raw stock to the finished product using design and skill.