Elaine Tsui is a Ph.D. Candidate in Chemistry, where she studies the development of new catalytic methods in organic synthesis. Prior to coming to Princeton, she received a B.A. in Chemistry and English from Wesleyan University and worked in patent litigation in Washington, D.C. Elaine was a GradFUTURES Fellow at New America's Future of Land and Housing in 2021.

"Throughout my academic and professional career, I have always found myself caught at the intersection between the physical sciences and the humanities. It is why I studied two disparate fields in college and worked in an unorthodox area (for a chemist) before committing to my Ph.D. program. As the end of my doctoral studies approached, I felt an increasing urgency to define for myself what career I wanted to pursue, however messy or circuitous or different it may be from what my peers are doing.

I am hugely grateful for the opportunity to have participated in the Mentor Collective and in the GradFUTURES Fellowship with New America. My mentor helped me realize what career I wanted to pursue, and my experience as a GradFUTURES Fellow gave me the confidence to pursue that career. Taking part in this program opened my eyes to the possibilities outside of Princeton and equipped me with a new understanding of myself, personally and professionally.

When I became a fourth-year graduate student, I began to pay more and more attention to the programs and opportunities GradFUTURES offers. One of those opportunities was the chance to apply to be a Fellow with New America. This position would be very different from my day-to-day doctoral research in the laboratory, and I was initially worried that I would not qualify for this fellowship. The GradFUTURES team reassured me that graduate students in all disciplines can apply, and I am really thankful that they helped me find a fellowship that matched my needs and interests.

With the support of my advisor and the GradFUTURES team, I was able to participate in a uniquely enriching and rewarding internship that I could not have imagined doing just a year ago. The only thing I regret is not paying attention to the GradFUTURES newsletters earlier!"

I have participated in the following GradFUTURES Programs:

• GradFUTURES Mentorship Program
• GradFUTURES Fellowship Program

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