WHAT'S BEEN UP RECENTLY
INTERNSHIP
6PPD is a tire additive used worldwide to increase tire lifetime by preventing rubber oxidative degradation and maintaining its structure and tire function. In recent years, many environmental concerns have been raised regarding 6PPD and its degradation products especially after Tian and other researchers discovered 6PPD-quinone (6PPDQ), an oxidation product of 6PPD, has been shown to cause mortality in Coho salmon. This summer I had the opportunity to work with a PhD student at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute in the process of researching, refining procedures, and conducting experiments that would reveal the biodegradation and photodegradation pathways of 6PPD and 6PPDQ in marine environment. This critical research will benefit society by providing information that helps determine the environmental persistence of the chemical substances, as well as assisting in developing methods to mitigate pollution from the tire wear particles.
The Rosenberg Railroad Museum, situated in the old town of Rosenberg, features a section of the Quebec train on display, along with various train equipment and modeled trains. The museum hosts seasonal events to attract both children and adults. As a volunteer, my role involves assisting the staff in organizing and managing events, recruiting volunteers, as well as handling setup and cleanup. During regular times, I also contribute by helping the staff create necessary equipment for events, like sorting colored beads for Boy Scout activities and cutting out informational guides for elementary field trips.
VOLLEYBALL
I became interested in volleyball in first grade when only taller students were chosen for the team. After a year of convincing the teacher, I treasured the experience. When my mom and I moved to the U.S. in fourth grade, she enrolled me in a volleyball club to continue my passion. I entered actual club volleyball, with real tournaments, in fifth grade and have continued until now. In junior high, I tried out and made the school volleyball team as a setter, continuing through my junior high years. In seventh grade, we won the district championship, but lost it in a close match in eighth grade. In high school, I tried out and made the freshman and JV teams in freshman and sophomore years, mainly as a setter. In those years, our teams won district championships and first place in tournaments such as the Lamar Freshman and JV and Needville JV tournaments. However, I chose to focus more on academics in my junior year and gave up on school volleyball. Yet, I have remained in club volleyball to stay healthy and build connections with teammates.
