Molly Gaugler

More about me:

What is your major and anticipated graduation?

Chemistry, May 2026

How did you decide to attend MSU?

After struggling to find a university that suited me, I visited MSU on a whim. After a tour, I had the opportunity to talk to a family friend who went here and was told everything about what it was like. From then on it only felt right- MSU has everything I was looking for in a university. Part of what drew me was my sisters’ experiences being at other Big10 universities that I could see myself having at MSU.

How did you select your major?

I chose chemistry because of a chemistry teacher I had in high school. I struggled my junior year due to health and COVID reasons and he saw this as abnormal for me. My teacher took the time to help me through the material and showed me that I can learn and do difficult things. The foundation he helped provide me in the field inspired me to continue pursuing it to be a support for others in the future.

Can you describe your research?

My research focusses on coming up with ways to create a ‘programmable’ molecule using organic methods.

What is the societal impact of your research?

This research is beneficial in ways of synthetic chemistry, cost efficiency, medicinal chemistry, and green chemistry.

How has your undergraduate experience been impacted by research experience?

This experience is highly engrained in my undergraduate career. I spend a lot of my time in the lab and have made many friends and met so many cool people in the process! I have also learned a lot about myself including a passion for research and a desire to pursue a PhD of my own.

Of everything you have experienced at MSU, what has surprised you the most/what is something you never expected?

I never expected to be doing what I am doing now. What I am interested in now and where I plan to go in the future is completely different from when I first arrived. I’m surprised by how fast my time here has flown by as well!

Plans after graduation?

I plan on continuing my education with a PhD program.

How important is this scholarship to you personally and to your future career?

This scholarship means a lot to me! It makes me feel like the research I do is important to other people and that I am knowledgeable in the subject to talk about it (in other words it helps to curb the imposter syndrome a bit). Academically it is important to help give me a leg up on graduate school applications. Additionally, I am interested in learning more about science communication and look forward to gaining experience in the field and seeing if it is right for me in the future.