Rachel Perez Roque

Why FSU?

I chose FSU because of the chemistry department’s communicative and engaging approach. Everyone I talked to at FSU made me feel motivated and excited to get started on my PhD.

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

What inspired me to pursue a graduate degree was my desire to build on my knowledge of science. I believe that science is the key to understanding the world on a more fundamental level, which is something I've always been curious about.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

My research focuses on the study of spin clock transitions in molecular spin quantum bits (qubits). This entails synthesizing qubits and studying their magnetic properties to better understand how we can make molecular qubits applicable to real-world quantum technologies. This research is important for the advancement of quantum information sciences and understanding how we can manipulate and tune properties of molecular qubits.

Who has been influential in your graduate career?

The most influential person in my graduate journey would have to be my advisor, Dr. Michael Shatruk. He has not only taught me a lot about this field of chemistry but has always encouraged me and provided me with many opportunities that I could never have even dreamed of doing. So many things that felt outside of the realm of possibilities for a graduate student have become possible with a great advisor.

Career aspirations

My career goals include applying to jobs outside of the United States in order to expand my knowledge of science in unfamiliar environments and also to make some sort of a difference, even if it's a small one.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

My advice to someone considering graduate school would be to just go for it. Graduate school is a scary step to take and it's definitely intimidating, but everything in life involving change is scary. Be willing to put in the effort and always try your best. With enough effort and hard work, anyone can pursue a graduate degree.

Accomplishments during graduate career

Since I started my graduate school journey, I have been extremely lucky to have been awarded many things, such as the GEM Fellowship in partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory where I spent a summer as an intern working in inelastic neutron scattering, being awarded the Dean's Award for Doctoral Excellence, and the chance to travel around the world for conferences. The accomplishment I am most proud of out of all of those has been getting the chance to travel to share my research with others. These experiences have opened my mind up to many new possibilities and scientific ideas, as well as the opportunity to network with scientists from all around the world, which has allowed me to learn a lot in my time as a graduate student.

I have received the Katherine Blood Hoffman Excellence Award, the GEM Fellowship and internship at ORNL, the Dean's Award for Doctoral Excellence, and a best poster prize at the European Conference on Molecular Magnetism.

Hobbies outside academics

I have many hobbies outside of work to make sure I have a fun work-life balance. My hobbies include learning to yo-yo, learning to play the bass, learning new languages such as Japanese and Thai, dancing salsa, baking, and spending time with my friends/loved ones.