Day 97/100 [2/20/25]

28 February 2025

The new semester started by chewing me up and spitting me out. I told my thesis supervisor today that crystallochemistry turned out to be even more difficult than I'd thought it would, to which he happily said it only means I'll learn many new things. I told him I'm afraid it'll be the first exam I'll have ever failed and he just gave me a big smile and said, "you?". Unwavering faith 🥹

But what else is there to do but to keep going? I'm taking a class on inorganic synthesis this semester and after the first lecture I'm already super excited. Can't wait to have the first lab next week! I have so many great course mates that make getting through hard times at uni a little easier. Spring is coming. I got this.

11.03.2025// survived a semi-interesting workshop, another busy day at work and a long, long phd brainstorm/writing/reading session. can't wait to unwind in the afternoon!

listening to: cradle of filth, absinthe with faust

Hello!

I'm a biochemistry undergrad aiming to go to grad school (*^.^*)

I've recently struggled with my mental health, which has made school tough, so now I'm trying to get back into the grind >.<

This blog will document my progress. I hope to keep myself accountable and maybe provide some relatability and/or inspiration to others!!

bionics is where information technology meets biology & chemistry🧠👩🏼‍💻

smiley titration flask ft. tulip from an event on monday🌷🤍🧪

20-21/100 days of productivity

During the weekend i was ill, but now i am so back! I started studying for the exam i’ll have on the 24th of march, which is chemistry. I think i’ll do well enough if i stay consistent now (:

6 March 2025

First inorganic synthesis lab and I had so much fun!! I really missed doing inorganic chem :') Today I synthesized tetraiodidobis(triphenylphosphine)tin(IV) (yeah), so basically a tin coordination compound with some iodine and an organic ligand :) The product had such a brilliant color irl, the photos could never do it justice. I also got two 5's (so the highest grade), one on the quiz and one on the practical part, which is very rewarding and makes this lab even more satisfying 💖

4 March 2025

The first chemical technology lab was super fun! I'm surprised I enjoyed it as much as I did, given it's kind of... ochem-heavy and I absolutely detested ochem labs. But I had a good time! Fingers crossed that won't change.

Lab partner and I made biofuel via esterification and transesterification reactions. The former was a reaction between oleic acid and methanol in acidic solution. The resulting ester - methyl oleate - has a greater density than methanol which is why it falls to the bottom of the cylinder, as you can see in the gif. It was so cool to see these "bubbles" in the entire volume just floating downwards as the reaction progressed. I love chemistry! 💖

sunday | march 9

officially one week til i'm done with the term and my digital to-do list just isn't cutting it anymore. the next seven days will be a haze of lab reports and presentations and final exams, but i'll come out the other end one step closer to getting that degree.

god good morning! back on my studying in my car grind, since i’ve been waking up hella early for some reason. the weather is amazing and im getting more comfortable in clothes again! enjoy some notes on blood 😊