Dr. Crystal K. Waters

I have always dreamed of being a doctor; although, I’ll admit I started with quite a limited perspective of career options that existed for students that enjoyed science and math. This deficient list of possibilities was likely more common than I may have known at the time. When thinking back on the first couple of years at UNC Chapel Hill many first-year students were like me – Pre-Med, Biology majors. I took my first chemistry class in Summer 2010 during the Summer Bridge Program at UNC. (This program still exists and I highly recommend it if you are a 1st-year student at Carolina.) During that bridge program, we had to take 2 classes which would count towards our college credits. Interestingly enough, during that summer I learned that I was pretty good at chemistry. The chemistry professor, Lisa Volaric, was the first to explain some of the advantages to being a chemist. She also encouraged me to fulfill my work study position in the undergraduate chemistry labs (shout-out to Kenan Labs). My sophomore year I switched majors from biology to chemistry and never looked back.

Chemistry helps me rationalize the facts of life, persistently providing tangible examples from Creation by which to learn.

After undergrad at UNC, I completed a research-based master’s program at UNC Charlotte. I earned a Master of Science degree at UNC Charlotte in 2016 and knew I was up for the challenge to earn a doctorate in chemistry. Research was no longer a daily task. It was a passion! I now had first-hand experience of how challenging yet totally rewarding research could be. I’ll admit, some days research was absolutely demoralizing! There were months where nothing worked. Days of time spent planning experiments that only failed. And many hours wasted because all of the glassware needed was dirty. But, surprisingly enough, research is like anything you practice at long enough – it gets better with time. You learn your strengths, find your groove, and surpass your expectations.

After 5 years of hard work, I successfully defended by PhD in Chemistry on September 20, 2021. That day marked exactly 6 months after the passing of my grandma, Babe. The final words I heard her say to me on the phone were, “Keep writing. You are already a doctor to me.” The relationship I developed with her during my life is unmatched and one I will cherish for a lifetime. She was one of my greatest supporters. Finishing my dissertation was difficult but I poured everything I had into editing and proofreading it down to the final period. When I think back on those days writing vigorously in my apartment, I realize that I had determined my “WHY”. It empowered me.

“A person should set his goals as early as he can and devote all his energy and talent to getting there. With enough effort, he may achieve it. Or he may find something that is even more rewarding. But in the end, no matter what the outcome, he will know he has been alive.”

– Walt Disney

One week later on September 27, 2021, I started my first job after moving to Delaware. It was a big adjustment out of the academic world and into the chemical industry. My academia-to-industry transition was abrupt and sudden, but I navigated it to the best of my ability. Time moved quickly! But I will never forget the excitement I felt in the days leading up to my job in industry. I was ready to take on new challenges, hopeful that I would be inspired by fresh perspectives, and grateful that I would start my career in the battery industry.

I will admit, it was no easy feat. Matter of fact the journey was littered with unnecessary obstacles, unwanted failures, and required sacrifices. Hard work, dedication, and strategic planning resided at the foundation of my academic journey. On December 17, 2021 I was hooded in the Virginia Tech Graduate School Graduation Ceremony by my doctoral advisor, Dr. Feng Lin. It was amazing to know that I had officially earned the ability to wear the doctoral tam! I dreamed of that day many, many times and it became a reality. During my tenure in Blacksburg, I matured in ways I never expected. It is difficult to know how hard you can push yourself until you are put into the situation.

I hope that by sharing my story you hear a new perspective, feel inspired to think bigger, and find the confidence within to create your own amazing story.

I am extremely grateful for the educational opportunities that I have earned along the way. I am grateful for the support of my family, friends, and colleagues. My network has continued to support and uplift me – I am grateful to you all.