Eleanor Burns

Eleanor is a senior majoring in Chemistry with a minor in Forensic Science. For her, chemistry is the perfect intersection of physical science and public health. Her journey—from researching in the Muddiman lab to leading the American Chemical Society student group at NC State—has been defined by a desire to understand the reactions that sustain our world. Whether she’s leading the trombone section on the field or advising the Governor’s Crime Commission, she focuses on building community. She aims to bridge the gap between complex science and public trust.

Q&A

Why did you choose chemistry?

Chemistry gave me the opportunity to combine my passion for physical sciences and public health, while opening up a range of career pathways after graduation. My time as president of the American Chemical Society at NC State, as an undergraduate researcher with the Muddiman lab, and as a project intern with RTI International have defined how much I enjoyed understanding the compounds and reactions that hold everything together.

What are you involved in outside of chemistry?

I am a Trombone section leader in the NC State Marching Band, student coordinator for the Presbyterian Campus Ministry, and serve as a Youth Commissioner on the NC Governor’s Crime Commission. Some of my favorite experiences with NC State have been my times abroad, playing the Fight Song for a Premier League match in Brighton, England, and spending a summer in London, studying ethics and the lives of The Beatles.

How do these activities complement your future plans in chemistry?

While not all directly tied to chemistry, my activities are all based around making connections and impacts on the people in my community. My love for chemistry stems from its potential to help the world around us, both on a personal and large scale. Working with these communities have shown me that my future plans in chemistry may not be found in a specific research lab, but in working to ease the fear surrounding chemistry and healthcare through improving communication between public officials, scientists, and the people we serve.

What advice would you give today’s young scientists?

My advice is to never let anyone restrict your ambitions to a specific discipline. If you are passionate about multiple subjects, combine them. Complex problems are resolved through interdisciplinary science, and becoming a bridge between fields will allow you to discover unique solutions and perspectives.

Fill in the blank

When I’m not in Dabney, I am … in Talley Student Union.

 I love the energy around Talley when I study, with close access to NC State ice cream, the gym and good people.

My favorite place to eat is … Mediterranean Deli!

I love to end my week with lunch at Med Deli and try their changing sides each week. 

In my lifetime, scientists will discover … a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease.

Advancements in spectroscopy and imaging techniques, neurosciences, and the impacts of Alzheimer’s across populations worldwide will continue to drive the importance of collaboration and research until a cure is found.

In one word, my experience at NC State has been … exuberant!

The biggest rule within the NC State Marching Band is to do everything with Wolfpack Exuberance!