Me with my machine learning in molecular simulation research poster
Author: Sage Paschall | Majors: Chemical Engineering & Physics | Fall 2025
My name is Sage Paschall, and I am a junior Honors College Fellow majoring in chemical engineering and physics. This November, I had the opportunity to attend the National American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) student conference in Boston, Massachusetts, to present my research! My research focuses on using machine learning in molecular simulation. Machine learning tools can be used to create more efficient and accurate simulations. With better simulations, we can more effectively explore molecular systems for applications like nanotechnology, curing protein-related diseases, or developing new materials, to name just a few. I have been working on this research project for over 18 months, so it was very rewarding to finally share my work with other like-minded chemical engineers!
I think it is very easy to be overwhelmed or discouraged at any point in the research process. There is always so much you do not know and so much you will struggle to understand. There are still parts of my project I struggle with, even after all this time I have spent on it. However, having the opportunity to speak with other research-oriented students and even professors really puts into perspective just how much you know. Even if it does not seem like it, the amount of time and effort you spend on building an understanding around a project does pay dividends. It often just does not feel like that because you are entrapped in your own thoughts and expectations. Before presenting my research, I was scared of all the possible things a person could ask me that I would not know. In reality, the majority of the questions I was asked were easy! I came away feeling encouraged about my understanding and contributions to the project, which would not have come without taking the opportunity to present my work. Thinking in the context of presenting your work to others also forces you to approach the topic from a new perspective. What would a person who does not have any background be confused about? Why should anyone care or be interested in this research? I believe that thinking about your research in this broader context is very beneficial to your own understanding of the project.
Outside of research, the conference had numerous networking opportunities over multiple days. Hundreds of graduate school recruiters were in attendance, and I was able to speak with many of them. All provided valuable information on their programs, as well as great individual advice on how to succeed in graduate school. Attending a national conference is a tremendous opportunity to explore graduate school opportunities in particular. Outside of the direct recruitment, there are thousands of other researchers, meaning there is a tremendous opportunity to explore what other kinds of research interests you.
Beyond the academic and professional aspects, attending the conference also helped reinforce why I am passionate about chemical engineering in the first place. Being surrounded by so many students who are equally driven, curious, and motivated was energizing. Exploring Boston with some of these new friends made the trip even more memorable. Overall, the experience strengthened my confidence, expanded my network, and deepened my excitement for research in the years to come.