Pigments, Fellowships, & Big Dreams: A Story of Academic Excellence

Posted October 30, 2023December 14, 2024 in Accelerated Credits Students, Chemistry & Molecular Biology, Stories, Students

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What do renewable energy, chemical safety, and a mid-century painting titled “Haiku” have in common? They’ve all been part of Ashley Scavuzzo’s academic journey at Rutgers-Camden. As a graduate student in the Chemistry MS program and a participant in the accelerated BS/MS program, Ashley has explored groundbreaking research and collaborated with leading conservation scientists. Recognized as a recipient of the Graduate Fellowship from the New Jersey Space Grant Consortium (NJSPC), her story is one of curiosity, opportunity, and impact. Read on to discover how these experiences are shaping her future.

Building a Foundation in Chemistry

I completed my Bachelor of Chemistry degree at Rutgers-Camden in 2022 with a minor in mathematics. In the Fall of 2021, I was accepted into Rutgers’ BS/MS accelerated degree program and expect to graduate with my Master’s degree in Chemistry in 2024 after defending my thesis.

The research opportunities I have had at Rutgers-Camden are unforgettable and will have a great impact on my future endeavors.
Ashley Scavuzzo

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Acknowledging Excellence: NJSPC Graduate Fellowship

I received the Graduate Fellowship from the New Jersey Space Grant Consortium (NJSPC) for the Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 semesters. This generous scholarship supported my efforts to complete my master’s project, which involved characterizing the pigments and binders used in a painting titled “Haiku” by Ben Wilson. Thanks to the stipend, I was able to dedicate more time to my project without the added stress of finances for other responsibilities, such as rent and groceries. This scholarship has had a profound, positive impact on my education.

Research Highlights: Collaborative Opportunities at Rutgers-Camden

Research has been a major part of my education at Rutgers-Camden. I had the privilege of working with conservation scientists Dr. Kate Duffy and Dr. Natalia Macro at the Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA), analyzing study objects. Additionally, I am collaborating with Jake Foster, the Gallery and Public Programs Coordinator at the Rutgers-Camden Center for the Arts (RCCA), to analyze a painting from the Rutgers-Camden Collection of Art for my Master’s degree project. These research opportunities have been unforgettable and will significantly influence my future endeavors.

Looking Ahead: Career Aspirations in Science and Innovation

As I approach the completion of my graduate degree, I am exploring career opportunities in fields such as renewable energy and chemical safety. I look forward to leveraging my degree from Rutgers-Camden to pursue a career that is both challenging and rewarding.