Chemistry major Emily Gruver puts her laboratory skills to work as she helps Dr. Trujillo revamp laboratory experiments.
When junior chemistry major Emily Gruver enrolled at Wilkes University, she expected a hands-on and up-to-date education. What she didn’t realize, though, was that she would be able to help provide that same opportunity for future Wilkes students.
“Dr. Trujillo approached me and asked me to work with him, which was such an honor,” says Gruver about her project with Professor Hernando Trujillo. Scientist and student are revamping experiments for the organic chemistry labs he teaches.
“I’m just coming out of my sophomore year, and I’m getting a chance to work one-on-one with a professor. That’s such a unique experience,” she says.
The project exemplifies the philosophy with which Wilkes faculty members approach their responsibilities as educators.
“I feel being accessible to the students is crucial. It’s one the main parts of the job to me,” Trujillo says. “I can’t imagine being someone who shows up for class and office hours and then just disappears.”
That attitude has given Gruver a chance to both test her skills and improve her knowledge, all while receiving personal mentorship from an expert in the field.
“I’m excited and proud to be able to help Wilkes University,” says Gruver, of Wilkes-Barre. “This school has helped me so much, so it feels amazing to be able to give back and to see other students learning from something I helped make happen.”
