Brenna Biggs*

Degrees

Ph.D. Physical Chemistry, University of California, Irvine (expected 2021)
M.S. Physical Chemistry, University of California, Irvine (2020)
B.S. Chemistry, California State University, Fullerton (2015)

Research

I collect air samples from all around the world and analyze them to determine identities and levels of over one hundred gases.

Biography

I am a Southern California native with a passion for science and the “great outdoors.” I am a PhD candidate studying atmospheric chemistry in the Rowland-Blake group at UC Irvine. When I am not in the lab, I enjoy rock climbing, running, and hiking.

Why is science communication important to you?

Just like in the iconic “man behind the curtain” scene from The Wizard of Oz; scientists like to stay out of the limelight. We like to speak and write in the third person: “the results were obtained.” However, great research and results are not meant to remain secret. Successful scientific communication can finally put a name and face to a fabulous discovery. Without this communication, it can often be tricky to remember that there is a great and powerful “wizard” slaving away in a lab to gather data! I am fascinated by this idea of demystifying research and making it accessible to everyone.

*Managing editor term

2019–2020

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