Fourth-year inorganic chemistry graduate student Yessica Nelson (Spokoyny group) is one of five outstanding scholars joining the UCLA chapter of the national Edward Alexander Bouchet Graduate Honor Society (BGHS) this academic year.
Under the mentorship of Professor Alexander Spokoyny, Nelson’s research delves into the enigmatic realm of atomically precise boron-based systems, particularly three-dimensional clusters and two-dimensional borophane materials with applications that span from energy storage to drug delivery. After completing her Ph.D., Nelson intends to work in R&D, making impactful contributions towards global sustainability.
The Bouchet Society honors Edward Alexander Bouchet, who in 1876 became the first African American doctoral recipient in the United States. Designed to develop a network of scholars who exemplify academic and personal excellence and who foster a community of support, the society recognizes students who serve as examples of scholarship, leadership, character, service, and advocacy for those who are traditionally underrepresented in higher education.
Inductees to the UCLA Chapter of the Bouchet Society join a national network with 20 chapters across the U.S. and are invited to present their work at the Bouchet Annual Conference at Yale University, where the scholars further create connections and community within the national Bouchet Society.
Read more about Nelson and the other honorees.
Penny Jennings, UCLA Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, penny@chem.ucla.edu.
