Lisa Walker Travel Grant gave me the opportunity to go to a Gordon Research Conference, where I interacted with biggest names in nanomaterials for energy and learned so much about the exciting research that is being undertakenelsewhere. Through mydiscussion and interactions with experts in the conference,Icame up with some exciting ideas formyownresearch(that I started implementing the minute I got back to Ithaca)and got some tips and tricks for mygroupmates. Additionally, since the conference was taking place in California, Igot to visit myfamily for a little onthe same trip asabonus.Ialsoserved on the Walker Grantsubcommittee and had the chanceto see some ofourbrilliantstudents go to international conferences or collaborations that would not havebeen possible without yourgenerous gift. So inthe end,Iwant to thank youpersonallybecause not only Igot to be a recipient of the award but also a deciding factor in whomthe next recipients are. Both of those roles were encouraging, inspiring, humblingand havehad a positive influence on mypersonal and professional growth.
– Ghazal Shoorideh, Joo Group