Are you undecided what degree to get and interested in learning more about chemical engineering? Chemical engineers work in almost every industry and affect the production of almost every article manufactured on an industrial scale. Check out the "What is ChemE?" page or explore potential ChemE careers! You can also download Prof. Nance's lecture on the history of chemical engineering - this lecture covers the founding of the field and the ever-evolving role of chemical engineers in society.

Trying to figure out your passion, how to be the best you, or what next steps you need to take for your career? Need help putting together a strong resume, cover letter, or CV? Need to improve interview skills? Check out the Engineering Career Center, Women in Chemical Engineering Professional Development events, or the ChemE department LinkedIN page, for starters. Looking for undergraduate work or research opportunities with a professor? Download this guide for crafting an email. You can also check out this recent article from Elizabeth about all the career options, and training opportunities, available in the nanomedicine field!

There is so much potential impact you can have as a professor! In the opinion of Elizabeth, it's also a ton of fun. If academia is a path you are interested in (it's one of many and certainly not the *only* option), you can check out this slide-deck on "the Academic path in Engineering" for the following info, which is focused on Chemical engineering but has info relevant more broadly: (1) The scope of academic positions and what a position academia looks like; (2) Preparing for the academic track; (3) Application writing and submission; (4) Interview preparation and interviewing; (5) Preparing a startup package; and (6) The role of a postdoc in the academic process. Elizabeth has compiled some tips and tricks for preparing applications based on her experience as a candidate and her experience co-chairing faculty searches. Prof. Armani at USC also has tips and tricks you can check out. It's strongly encouraged to consider applying to the UW ChemE Distinguished Young Scholars Seminar (DYSS) series - basically a mock faculty interview complete with a research seminar and a full day of research focused meetings!

Check out the regularly updated website for graduate fellowships, postdoctoral fellowships and early career faculty funding opportunities managed by Johns Hopkins. The Nance Lab highly encourages prospective students to apply for independent funding, particularly prospective postdoctoral candidates. ​

Our lab is a chosen family - one built on respect, friendship, and teamwork. We value the lived experiences and perspectives of all lab members, collaborators, and individuals we engage with in our research. Our team members empower one another through mentorship and a commitment to open communication, shared accountability, and personal and professional growth. We love to engage in undergraduate and high school student research opportunities, outreach, speaking in public forums or on podcasts, and providing guest lectures so that we can elevate the voices of our lab members while increasing accessibility to and awareness of our research approach and findings.

We believe that high quality science comes from happy, active, healthy people. Our lab, along with the UW, is dedicated to creating a compassionate, healthy, and enabling work environment for all our students. To do this, our lab participates in the Whole U Program, and follows our favorite M.D., Ph.D., Dr. Tommy Wood, on blogs and podcasts available through his website, www.DrTommyWood.com.

Mental Health awareness is critical to our every day ability to be healthy, happy, and functional. Feeling the effects of imposter syndrome? Struggling with a tough period in life? Seeking motivation and direction? Practicing mindfulness? Please take advantage of the many resources available at UW, including the Resilience Lab, the UW counseling center, or the Mental Health Clinic at Hall Health.

Interested in getting your MS or PhD? There are a lot of factors that will likely influence your decision for which city, university, program, PI, and lab you will join. Remember - it's your decision and the collective set of things that matter to you will be unique to you! If you are are applying to Chemical Engineering programs, check out this slide deck on considerations and timeline for the application process. For general info and questions about grad school, check out this resource from BioPHilmD, a group of grads in UW Biology. Already in an MS or PhD program and wondering how to best navigate grad school? We highly recommend you subscribe to the blog of A Tale of 2 PhDs, and PhD Balance

We believe in enabling and supporting others so that they can pursue their passions and achieve their dreams. To check out some of our work with the K-12 community, head to our outreach page! If the Nance lab could support your STEM efforts by doing a demo, webinar, lecture, or hands on activity, please email nancelab@uw.edu.

Each year, the Chemical Engineering department hosts a Science & Engineering as Art contest. The Nance lab has placed in the top three in five out of the 6 years SEA has taken place! Starting in the top left and moving clockwise: (1) 2017 3rd prize - Rick Liao "Brainiac", (2) 2020 2nd prize - Mike McKenna "Warhol's Glia", (3) 2019 2nd prize - Chad Curtis "Euclidean Brainstorm", (4) 2018 2nd prize - Chad Curtis "Brownian motion in stained glass"(5) 2021 2nd Prize - Jeremy Filteau "The Stars in our Cells" (to be posted).