Vyshnavi is a postdoctoral researcher at Princeton University with a PhD in Chemistry. While her PhD work focused on modeling active sites of enzymes, her current research uses computational chemistry methods to devise new, sustainable forms of ammonia (fertilizer) synthesis. The traditional methods to synthesize ammonia are energy-intensive and are responsible for a significant portion of our total greenhouse gas emissions.
Her research aims to identify catalysts which will enable ammonia synthesis in a more sustainable manner. Going into the YVoS program, she was excited to strengthen her science communication skills by writing an op-ed that tied in both her research expertise and her personal experience.
She wrote a piece for Stories in Science, a special series put out by YVoS publication partner The Civic Science Times that is managed by the Civic Science Media Lab about her experience as a climate change solutions researcher experiencing the catastrophic effects of the climate crisis firsthand. By skillfully weaving in a story of her noticing a delay in the changing autumn leaves, she crafted a touching, relatable and uplifting story about overcoming research roadblocks and climate anxiety.
You can read her full piece HERE! https://civicsciencemedia.org/finding-inspiration-in-nature-to-fuel-my-climate-change-research/
