Kimberly Yard, a senior chemistry major at UNC Pembroke, recently returned from the United Kingdom, where she participated in a nine-week research internship at the University of Bath.

Yard was among seven college students nationwide selected for the International Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program funded by the National Science Foundation.

“During my time in Bath, I was tasked with performing and developing my skills in computational chemistry and learned to use methods such as molecular dynamics to understand the movement and mobility of molecules of interest ultimately,” Yard said. “This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and holds an immense amount of educational value that I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do otherwise.”

Yard said she returned from the internship with a better understanding and appreciation of chemistry.

“I see how the different fields of chemistry are interconnected, and I can develop and begin my learning journey in computational methods,” Yard said.

Upon graduation, Yard plans to pursue a Ph.D. in chemical engineering.