Profile
Julia Marks
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About Me:
I am a Philly native and live there now with my dog, Daisy. Outside of working as a chemist, I enjoy being outside, doing puzzles, and learning new swing dance moves. On weekends I make time to play Quidditch, the sport from Harry Potter (no we can’t fly, but we still play on “brooms”).
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My pronouns are:
she/her
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My Work:
I am a chemist at a manufacturing plant outside of Philadelphia. My team works on developing catalytic converters for gasoline engines to help minimize pollution.
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My Typical Day:
I like to wake up and get to work early, around 6 am. My mornings are a little brighter with a cup of tea and a big breakfast, which help fuel me through a day of working in a lab/manufacturing plant. These days I leave work in the afternoon to go running or go to chemistry classes, but I always end my day walking my pup, Daisy.
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What I'd do with the prize money:
I would spend $500 on the club at my high school that first got me started in science outreach. We would go to elementary schools in the city and put on science demonstrations. The kids were consistently amazed by the magic of science, and the older students got to perform fun experiments in a fulfilling way.
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Education:
University of Virginia – B.S. in Chemistry
Villanova University – currently working on a M.S. in Chemistry
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Qualifications:
Completed two chemistry courses in high school, earning a 5 on my AP Chemistry test. Worked as an undergraduate researcher in an organic chemistry lab. Graduated with ACS certification. Currently working as a chemist and a part-time chemistry tutor.
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Work History:
I just recently graduated from college, and I am on my first job!
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Current Job:
My current job is as a research and development chemist at a large international company that deals in precious metals. I get to use platinum group metals to create catalytic converters, a piece that sits behind the engine in a car to clean the exhaust. I appreciate getting to work in a chemistry field that is actively doing work to combat p0llution.
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Employer:
Johnson Matthey
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Active, positive, and inquisitive
What's the best thing you've done in your career?
Look for a job that makes me feel good about what I do every day
What or who inspired you to follow your career?
My high school chemistry teacher
What was your favorite subject at school?
Chinese
What did you want to be after you left school?
I didn't know!
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Nope, never (:
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
A civil engineer
Who is your favorite singer or band?
Ariana Grande
What's your favorite food?
Fried rice
What is the most fun thing you've done?
Hang gliding
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
Healthy family, fulfilling career, and an endless supply of oreos
Tell us a joke.
Why can you never trust atoms? They make up everything!
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My Comments