“Chemistry has always been my passion, and being part of this research has allowed me to apply my skills to a truly meaningful cause,” Simmons said. “I was impressed with the science and the opportunity after Dr. Taylor explained the work. At first, I was hesitant about this project, but after diving into the synthetic processes, I realized it has real potential for advancing cancer treatment. The experience reinforces what I learn in the classroom as I work with such a talented team to develop potentially life-changing therapies.”

 From changing her major to chemistry to her current research, Simmons credits Taylor’s constant mentoring presence with inspiring her to be her best in the classroom and the lab.

 “I never thought I had what it took to be a woman in STEM and opted originally for an easier path, but Dr. Taylor has shown me that anything is possible if I put my mind to it. She’s convinced me I can go above and beyond no matter the circumstances, including applying for the SURF program,” she said. 

 Taylor views Simmons’ time-management skills as an attribute of her success, which includes six joint grant submissions and five conference presentations. That’s in addition to her full-time academic load, research endeavors, a part-time job and extracurricular activities.

 “Presley is hard-working, innovative and diligent. Her ability to manage time has allowed her to be actively immersed in research. Presley has exposed herself to the fields of organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry and forensic chemistry. I am most appreciative of her thirst for learning,” Taylor said.

 Simmons considers the lab’s team-centered atmosphere as a factor in her success, and she feels fortunate to work with fellow members of the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Program. The program is a nationwide network supported by the National Science Foundation. Columbus State’s LSAMP Program—based in the College of Letters & Sciences—makes it possible for Simmons and other female and minority science, technology, engineering and mathematics students to find their future place in the nation’s workforce.

 Her SURF-sponsored research has allowed her to partner with Alisha Kennedy (pictured together in the lab), an LSAMP alumna and current Columbus State graduate student pursuing a master’s in natural sciences. Their partnership has underscored for Simmons the value of collaboration and teamwork in a field where female scientists can feel outnumbered by their male counterparts. 

 “Partnering with Alisha and LSAMP has proven to me that a single person does not do worthwhile research; it’s the work of many people,” Simmons said. “Alisha is an incredibly intelligent, diligent researcher who models for me what going above and beyond looks like for scientists—especially underrepresented female professionals in chemistry.” 

 LSAMP student participation is competitive and reserved for students with a declared undergraduate major in a STEM field. At Columbus State, those include biology, chemistry, computer science, cybersecurity, mathematics and robotics engineering. In addition to being U.S. citizens, they must have a 2.5 high school or college GPA. In addition to collaborating and mentoring opportunities with Columbus State students and faculty, LSAMP students network beyond campus through district and national activities.