Marissa Alcala
Marissa Alcala
Class Year
’23
Current home
Tallahassee, Florida
Major(s)
Chemstry
Current Position
Graduate Student and Teacher Assistant at Florida State University
After earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry at Carthage, Marissa Alcala ’23 decided to continue her education at Florida State University, where she is preparing for her PhD candidacy exam. During her time at Carthage, she was awarded several prestigious scholarships — including the Betsyand Howard Brown Scholarship, the Anderson-Clarence Scholarship, and the Founders Scholarship — in recognition of her academic achievements and potential. Now, as a PhD student, Ms. Alcala works in one of the FSU’s research labs — focusing on understanding, controlling, and tailoring the interfaces between inorganic nanocrystals and biological/non-biological systems. Her work includes nanoparticle design, structural and optical characterization, ligand design and characterization, chemical interfacing of QDs, and more.
Ms. Alcala also works as a teacher assistant for general, organic, and physical chemistry courses. Through her busy schedule as a graduate student, Ms. Alcala’s love for working in academia has flourished — both in a lab and in the classroom. “I’ve enjoyed teaching general chemistry and watching young scientists have their ‘lightbulb’ moments,” she says. “It’s very rewarding to have students want to learn and understand the little things that we as chemists sometimes overlook.”
What have you enjoyed most about your career?
“I really enjoy looking back and realizing how much I’ve learned and grown as a scientist! Working in academia can be difficult because the field constantly grows and changes. We as scientists have to keep up with it, but it has been exciting to push myself and my ability to keep learning. I’m becoming a more independent scientist, and I know my younger self would be proud of how far I’ve come.”
How did Carthage prepare you?
“Being exposed to scientific conferences, talks, and poster sessions at Carthage gave me an early insight into how scientists communicate their work and ideas. Learning how to talk to various audiences at different levels of understanding has been really useful. Also, being in a research group with Professor John Kirk gave me hands-on experience not everyone receives. Additionally, working closely with a principal investigator made it easier to communicate problems, results, and ideas.”
How has your liberal arts education benefited you?
“Carthage’s liberal arts education prepared me to approach challenges with both critical thinking and versatility. In my research experience, I often need to draw on scientific knowledge while making logical, evidence-based connections — skills that were strengthened through hands-on lab work and problem-solving in the classroom. At the same time, courses in humanities and religion taught me to consider multiple perspectives and encouraged me to think more deeply about ethical, cultural, and personal dimensions of complex issues. This blend of analytical and humanistic thinking has helped me tackle problems from many angles, making me a more well-rounded and effective problem solver in both academic and real-world settings.”
What opportunities were made possible because of your Carthage experience?
“I participated in the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience program, which allowed me to focus on research for an entire summer and then present my work at the Celebration of Scholars. I was also able to go on J-Term trips to Honduras and South Africa — truly life-changing opportunities. Also, my amazing advisor, Prof. Kirk, recommended that I apply for the ACS Bridge Program at the end of my senior year, which allowed me to continue my academic career at Florida State University!”
What Carthage professors played a part in your success and how?
“Prof. Kirk was an amazing mentor, and I always felt comfortable discussing science and everyday life with him. Prof. Kirk helped me understand my value as a student and scientist. College is not as straightforward as high school was, with many ups and downs, and I’m lucky to have had Prof. Kirk and the rest of the Chemistry Department standing behind me. Professors Christine Blaine, Kevin Morris, and David Brownholland are also amazing mentors who played a big role in my success in chemistry and my undergraduate degree.”
What's your favorite Carthage memory?
“Some of my favorite Carthage memories happened in the dorms. I miss living next to my best friends, hanging out, and having movie nights any night of the week. The experience of living on the floor with the rest of your frat or sorority is truly indescribable until you live it yourself. With Carthage only an hour and a half from my hometown, it quickly became my home away from home. I gained independence and life skills while also having the comfort of being able to go home for the weekend when I needed it.
I’m also forever thankful for the opportunities to study abroad. I’ll cherish memories of experiencing safaris in Africa and swimming with sharks in Honduras. I almost didn’t go on the South Africa trip because all of my friends decided not to go post-COVID, but I decided to stay despite not knowing anyone very well. Those people are now some of the greatest friends I know, and I continue to try to have that same courage when I go into any situation now.”
Tips for current Carthage students?
“Take advantage of the many things happening around campus. My goal was to continue my education after Carthage, so I was very focused on chemistry. But, I also allowed myself time for extracurriculars. I was a part of the Firebirds dance team for two years, a member of Tau Sigma Chi fraternity, treasurer of Theta Chi Delta, and attended many social events in or around campus.”