Elizabeth Jenkins El — Curriculum Vitae
jeeleliz@unc.edu | (919) 564-5367 | www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethjenkinsel | https://elementsofel.com/
EDUCATION
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Expected December 2027
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (bioinorganic concentration) with a minor in Korean
Honors Carolina – Highly competitive, four-year academic program enrolling 10% of each class
SURF Award – Undergraduate research funding award from the College of Arts & Sciences
Equitable Excellence Scholar – Highly competitive, national, four-year academic scholarship
Spectrum News Scholar – Highly competitive, state-wide, academic scholarship
Carolina Scholar – Academic scholarship to aid in tuition, study abroad opportunities, and research opportunities
Universidad de Sevilla, June 2025 – August 2025
Study Abroad, Organic Chemistry
North Carolina Central University, May 2023
Associate of Science
RESEARCH
Dempsey Lab – CHASE | Chapel Hill, NC
Undergraduate Researcher, March 2025 – Present
Contributing towards a collaborative project with CHASE (Center for Hybrid Approaches in Solar Energy to Liquid Fuels) focused on inorganic catalysis for the electrochemical reduction of CO₂ to CO
Developing and characterizing metal-centered catalysts and investigating their ability to bind to silica surfaces, to integrate them into functional hybrid photoelectrodes
Using NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and glovebox techniques to create and analyze air-sensitive compounds
SURF Award recipient – undergraduate research funding award from the College of Arts & Sciences, project to be presented and honored at the UNC Celebration of Research poster symposium 2027
Beneath the Skin: The Horror in Silence | Chapel Hill, NC
ENGL 268H: Medicine, Literature, & Culture Research Project, January 2025 – May 2025
Investigated the biological and chemical origins of postpartum depression through close analysis of existing scientific and humanistic literature, examining hormonal fluctuations and neurochemical shifts
Examined cultural texts, including The Yellow Wallpaper and Baby Ruby to explore how women's mental health is historically silenced and medicalized
Developed a social commentary on the perception of women as reproductive vessels and the systemic implications for maternal mental health access and care
Stepping Stone Model | Chapel Hill, NC
BIOL 214H: Mathematics of Evolutionary Biology Research Project, January 2024 – May 2024
Answered the question of how allele frequencies and linkage disequilibrium on each island change over time using a stepping-stone island model while following the constraints set by Joseph Felsenstein's model of sympatric speciation
Utilized Wolfram Mathematica coding language to solve mathematical equations corresponding to biological and evolutionary topics like fecundity, selection preference, and co-variation frequencies
Created and presented a research poster at the UNC Celebration of Research poster symposium 2025
National Science Foundation (NSF) | Durham, NC
CXC Synthesis and Plastics Degradation Researcher, March 2022 – April 2022
Investigated the degradation resistance of common plastics using solvents including acetone, apple cider vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and lemon juice, finding that acidic and neutral pH solutions were ineffective against rigid plastic materials
Synthesized and compared bioplastic polymers using starch-citric acid and starch-glycerol formulations, analyzing differences in flexibility, transparency, and structural integrity
Presented findings virtually at a CXC research symposium, contributing to broader discussions on sustainable materials and plastic alternatives
WORK EXPERIENCE
Carolina Union Activities Board (CUAB) | Chapel Hill, NC
Vice President of Internal Affairs, May 2025 – May 2026
Fostering a strong organizational culture within CUAB, serving as second in command to support leadership initiatives
Hosting monthly general body meetings and ensuring effective communication within CUAB
Overseeing recruitment of committee members, and leading board member trainings and retreats
Special Events Chair, May 2024 – May 2025
Responsible for organizing large-scale events attended by 100-500 Carolina students and community members
Leading in the planning and execution of programming by coordinating all aspects of logistics, marketing, and budgeting
Managing a $40K budget to deliver high-impact events, optimizing resources, and enhancing student engagement
Duke Health | Durham, NC
Durham Youthworks Intern, June 2022
Engaged in collaborative conversations with healthcare professionals about health ethics, HIPAA, and work etiquette
Explored healthcare careers and worked alongside a Duke Health speech-language pathologist and radiologist
Created an in-depth capstone project after internship and presented to Duke Health employees
Tutoring | Durham, NC
K-12 and College Tutor, May 2019 – Present
Serving as a K-5 after-school tutor at Triumphant Kids Daycare, focusing on building foundational skills in reading, writing, and mathematics
Providing personalized tutoring in chemistry, calculus, and biology for high school students, with an average improvement of 10 points in test scores
Developing customized lesson plans for college-aged students in chemistry, biology, and math, reinforcing problem-solving techniques and critical thinking skills
LEADERSHIP & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
National Organization for Black Chemists & Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) | Chapel Hill, NC
Chapter President, April 2025 – Present
Leading the chapter with vision and purpose, overseeing all programming, partnerships, and internal growth
Acting as the primary liaison to faculty, national NOBCChE, and external collaborators
Guiding the overall direction of the organization and ensuring the team operates with unity and intention
Chapter Vice President, September 2024 – April 2025
Organized and facilitated a range of events for 20-50 aspiring scientists, including networking, social, and research-focused events
Led efforts in grant writing to promote the chapter's activities and initiatives
Nobel Faces | Chapel Hill, NC
Founder & Director | @nobel.faces, September 2024 – Present
Founded and led an independent scientist spotlight platform on Instagram, highlighting underrepresented figures in chemistry and STEM
Developing content strategy, posting, and creative direction; formats include scientist spotlights, chemistry history, and the Stories of a Growing Scientist documentary series
Operating in collaboration with UNC's NOBCChE chapter
UNC Chemistry Department | Chapel Hill, NC
Undergraduate Learning Assistant, Chem 101, January 2026 – May 2026
Supporting over 200 students in introductory chemistry by attending lectures and leading a 30-student recitation section alongside a graduate TA
Breaking down complex chemical concepts, facilitating active learning, and helping students develop problem-solving strategies
Chemistry Student Advisory Group Representative, October 2025 – Present
Representing the student body in meetings with faculty and department leadership to provide student input on academic programs, course structure, and departmental initiatives
Contributing to discussions on curriculum updates, equity, and student engagement; assisting in organizing departmental events and outreach activities
Students Who Sit (SWS) | Chapel Hill, NC
Campus Founder, February 2026 – Present
Serving as the on-the-ground leader for SWS at UNC Chapel Hill, responsible for launching and growing the chapter's campus presence
Leading a team of 3-4 ambassadors while overseeing campus operations, including market research, community engagement, and data management
Building and maintaining relationships with campus and community stakeholders to drive growth and ensure operational excellence
Autism in Our Communities | Chapel Hill, NC
Service-Learning Partner, August 2024 – December 2024
Assisted parents in creating helpful developmental techniques, including visual schedules, emotion regulation techniques, and additional educational content
Aided individuals with autism to improve social skills by means of weekly communication sessions and autism regulation techniques
Fostered an inclusive and engaging social environment for autistic children and their parents
Honors Carolina 101 | Chapel Hill, NC
Undergraduate Learning Assistant, August 2024 – December 2024
Assisted in course preparation, class activities, and attendance for Honors 101 sessions focused on academic and career development
Guided students on resume building, research opportunities, and navigating career pathways
UNC Health | Chapel Hill, NC
Surgery/Family Medicine Nursing Unit Volunteer, August 2024 – Present
Assisting nursing staff by supporting post-operative patient care, restocking supplies, and maintaining equipment rooms
Providing compassionate interactions by responding to patient calls, conducting rounds, and escorting patients
Honors Carolina | Chapel Hill, NC
Orientation Ambassador, June 2024
Supported incoming students in their transition to Honors Carolina through mentorship and personalized guidance
Collaborated with orientation leaders to deliver presentations and provide academic resources
A Moment of Magic Foundation | Chapel Hill, NC
Express, Create, Heal: Childhood Cancer Intern, January 2024 – February 2026
Advocating for mental health awareness and education among siblings, parents, and guardians of pediatric cancer patients through virtual and in-person events
Providing informational workshops, open discussions, and resource connections to help caregivers navigate the emotional challenges of supporting a child with cancer
SKILLS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Languages: Korean (Working Proficiency), Spanish (Elementary Proficiency)
Skills: UV-Visible Spectroscopy, NMR Spectroscopy, Mass Spectrometry, Gas Chromatography, Liquid Chromatography, Glovebox Techniques, Antiseptic Microbial Techniques, Chemical Synthesis, Wolfram Mathematica, R Programming Language
Certifications: Environmental Health and Laboratory Safety Certification, Laser Safety Training, Compressed Gas Safety Training
Interests: Archery, Weightlifting, Running, Traveling