Undergraduate Chemistry Researcher · Multi-Campus Initiative Director
Elizabeth Jenkins El
Hi, I'm Elizabeth! I research bioinorganic chemistry, and I truly believe science feels better when it's warm, colorful, and easy to walk into. Most days you'll find me at the bench or in front of a classroom, planting seeds for the next generation of scientists. Grow with me!
“Never limit yourself because of others' limited imagination; never limit others because of your own limited imagination.”
Dr. Mae Jemison
For the Love of Chem!
Interested?
About Elements of El
Bridging lab research and maternal care
My goal is to get my doula certification while working toward a PhD in bioinorganic chemistry, focused on maternal health. I want to be the first PhD in my family, and I want to close the gap between what happens in the lab and what happens in the delivery room. Community advocacy and reproductive science, side by side.
Campus Leadership
The roles I hold right now
Chemistry research, community advocacy, and childcare work, all rolled into one very full, very fun schedule.
Campus President
UNC NOBCChE · @unc.nobcche
Lead chapter programming, partnerships, and relationships with faculty and national NOBCChE, keeping the team aligned and growing.
Campus Founder
Students Who Sit @ UNC · @studentswhositunc
Launched the UNC chapter from the ground up. Lead a team of ambassadors across outreach, research, and campus partnerships.
Advisory Board Rep
UNC-CH Chemistry Student Advisory Board
Represent chem majors directly to faculty and department leadership on course structure, programming, and curriculum decisions.
Childcare Assistant Director
Triumphant Kids Daycare, my mumsy's in-home daycare
Following in my mom's footsteps, her daycare has been running for 25 years, and I've spent about 15 of them helping out. Tutor K-5 and high school students in chemistry, calculus, and biology, with an average 10-point test score increase.
UNC OUR Content Partner
UNC Office of Undergraduate Research · @oflifeandlabor
Produce science communication content for the UNC Office of Undergraduate Research, advocating for POC representation in STEM.
Featured Research
The Research Timeline
New research chapter loading, more soon!
Spring 2025 – August 2026
Photoelectrochemical Characterization of Hybrid p-Si/SiOx Electrodes for CO2 Reduction
Undergraduate Researcher, Dempsey Lab, UNC Chapel Hill
This research targets excess CO2 from a chemistry angle, building electrochemical cells and using electron transfer to convert C1 products into useful products. This work was recognized with a competitive SURF fellowship award.
Spring 2024
Felsenstein & the Stepping Stone Model
Mathematical Biology Research, UNC Chapel Hill
Investigating theoretical evolutionary dynamics based on populations structured over spatial landscapes. This research expands on Felsenstein's classic two-island model by mathematically extending the framework to a third island system, mapping complex patterns of migration and genetic divergence.
Summer 2023
Plastic Degradation & Bioplastic Synthesis
NSF / CXC Research Experience
An NSF / CXC research experience on plastic degradation and bioplastic synthesis, presented at a research symposium.
Recognition
Awards & Scholarships
Research
$0
SURF Fellowship
UNC Chapel Hill · Dempsey Lab
Academic Excellence
$0+
Carolina Scholar Award
UNC Chapel Hill
Equity in STEM
$0
Equitable Excellence Scholarship
UNC Chapel Hill
Military Dependents
$0
Dibbert Scholarship
UNC Chapel Hill
Diversity & Inclusion
$0
Spectrum Scholarship
UNC Chapel Hill
Accelerated Research Scholar
UNC Chapel Hill
Honors Carolina Student
Honors Carolina · UNC
Volunteering & Service
Express, Create, Heal: Childhood Cancer Intern
A Moment of Magic Foundation · Jan 2024 – Feb 2026
Advocated for mental health awareness among siblings, parents, and guardians of pediatric cancer patients through workshops.
Duke Health Intern
Duke Health · Durham Youthworks · June 2022
Gained exposure to the healthcare system through sessions on health ethics, HIPAA regulations, and healthcare professions.
Roots & Foundations
Where I come from shapes how I see science
My family is Moroccan and Ethiopian, and I think that's part of why I love symmetry so much! I actually love drawing molecules for fun, especially the symmetric ones, there's something so gorgeous about it. Seeing that same kind of pattern show up everywhere, in a mosaic wall, in a molecule I'm doodling at 1am, just makes me happy.
Science belongs to everyone, even when its history forgets to say so. This is where I try to remember the researchers who came before me, especially the ones nobody wrote down.
Share Your Thoughts
Leave a Testimonial
Mentor, professor, collaborator, or friend, I'd love to hear from you.