As Theresa Haupt ’24 prepares to embark on her new academic chapter, she is reflecting on her path from a chemistry major with a biochemistry concentration at Haverford to a graduate student pursuing her master’s and Ph.D. in bioengineering.
Haupt’s undergraduate thesis focused on modeling, through molecular dynamics simulations, the solvatochromic effect on the vibrational frequencies of terminal alkynes. Currently through the accelerated master’s program, she is now completing her master’s in bioengineering at the University of Pennsylvania. Her role in the Bollinger Digital Fabrication Lab at Penn’s Biotech Commons, where she manages 3D printing requests, has been a significant aspect of her journey. This position allows her to contribute to research, patient care, and education, aligning with her goal of developing functional and affordable prosthetics and medical devices.
A standout experience from Haupt’s experience at Haverford was her independent study, “Designing Objects.” This course utilized 3D printing and CAD software to design and prototype toy creations. Haupt described it as “a great opportunity to learn about the resources offered at the VCAM MakerSpace,” noting that many students often overlook the valuable equipment and workshops available, such as guitar making, sticker/button printing, and laser engraving.
Working under Assistant Professor of Chemistry Clyde Daly in a computational chemistry lab was another pivotal experience for Haupt. Daly’s support and encouragement helped Haupt navigate her goals beyond chemistry. His emphasis on community engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration highlighted the importance of these elements in academic and professional development.
Haupt’s role as a teaching assistant in the chemistry department also played a significant role in shaping her aspirations. She found that working with students to support their understanding of difficult topics often led to her own learning and growth. This experience reinforced her desire to pursue a Ph.D. in bioengineering and continue both research and educational contributions.
Involvement in the women’s soccer team and a brief stint on the women’s track and field team taught Haupt valuable lessons about teamwork and goal-setting. “Being a part of a team has shown me how important teamwork and goal-setting is to be fully successful in some endeavor,” she says.
Haupt offers this message to fellow graduates: “Continue to embrace everything you have learned while at Haverford, especially the drive for learning and staying part of a community.”
“Where They’re Headed” is a blog series chronicling the post-collegiate plans of recent Haverford graduates.