06/19/2026
To most people, a garden is a peaceful escape. To me, it’s a reminder of why I fell in love with chemistry. 🌿🧪
My obsession with plant compounds isn't new. Back in 2022, I got to present my undergraduate research at the American Chemical Society conference in San Diego. My project focused on developing a more eco-friendly way to extract peppermint essential oil, using menthol recovery to measure the extraction “completeness.”
Now, with just two (and a half) semesters left of my Master's in Cosmetic Science, I’m starting my graduate capstone project and taking that passion in a new direction!
My project is based on terpenes, the natural organic compounds that give plants their distinct scents (think of the crisp smell of pine, the brightness of citrus, or the cooling kick of menthol!).
My current research is looking into something pretty exciting: I’m figuring out if specific terpenes can act as a selective solution for acne. Oftentimes, traditional antibiotics and harsh treatments tend to wipe out all microbes on your skin, killing the good ones alongside the bad ones. I'm looking at how we can target the specific microorganisms that trigger breakouts while leaving the rest of your skin microbiome thriving.
When I say Green Daisy Soaps is science-backed, this is what I mean. 🧫🧪❤️