I am Ayushi Tripathi, a 5th-year PhD candidate in Chemical Engineering under the guidance of Prof. Nicholas Abbott. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the Lisa Walker travel grant, which played a crucial role in facilitating my participation in the AICHE conference 2023 held in Orlando, Florida. Thanks to the support of the grant, I delivered an oral presentation on my research titled ‘Liquid Crystals on Photocatalytic Surfaces.’ Presenting my research to a diverse audience at the conference provided me with valuable insights, diverse perspectives, and future ideas for advancing my work. The conference also hosted various professional events that allowed me to connect with peers from various universities, providing exposure to networking opportunities. Attending the conference broadened my understanding of current research topics relevant to my field and beyond. I thank Lisa Walker and the Lisa Walker travel grant once again for making this enriching experience possible. This opportunity not only contributed to the advancement of my research but also played a significant role in the development of my professional and networking skills.