Student Spotlight: Cassie Duclos

Cassie Duclos received the NSF Graduate Fellowship. Read further to learn more about her motivation for research and her advice to current graduate students. 

1. What motivates you about your research?

My biggest motivation for my research is my curiosity and desire to know more. I love discovering new things and finding out why they work the way they do. My second biggest motivation is my desire to benefit people and the planet. I have a strong sense of empathy, and I feel that if I am capable of producing research that can change the world for the better, then I should do so. My research in organic batteries incorporates both of these motivations, since it looks into something that isn't fully understood yet while potentially increasing the sustainability of batteries. 

2. What is your favorite aspect about the PhD experience so far?

My favorite aspect about the PhD experience so far has been working with members of my cohort. In my graduate classes, I've met amazing fellow PhD and masters students who are going through the same challenges as me, from advisor selection to the difficulties of transport phenomena to the upcoming qualifying exam. Everyone has been extremely supportive and helpful through my difficult first year. As I continue into my PhD, I'll also enjoy working with the other members of my lab more for similar reasons. When I face setbacks in my research, they'll be there to motivate me to keep working. 

3. What advice do you have for current graduate students?

My advice to current graduate students is not to neglect your work-life balance. Research is important and meaningful, but it can also be all-consuming. Make sure you set aside time to prioritize yourself and your needs. This will prevent you from burning out and let you approach your research with an open, humanistic mindset. However, it might make you feel unproductive on days where you do little or no work. Whenever I have a day like that, there's a Hank Green quote that helps me--"You will always struggle with not feeling productive until you accept that your own joy can be something you produce. It is not the only thing you will make, nor should it be, but it is something valuable and beautiful". Research is just one thing you will make, and it will in part define you, but it is not the only thing that will define you. One thing I like to do is creative writing--I don't do it to publish or for other people to see, I just do it for myself. It can be hard to make a good work-life balance with the busy schedule of research and academics, so learning proper time management is also very important. 

4. Please tell us a fun fact about yourself.

Fun fact: I like to play the piano as a hobby and have played since I was 5 years old. I'm trying to learn Chopin Ballade No. 1 in G minor right now, but it's quite a difficult piece.