From Classmates to Lifemates: How Project SEED Ignited a Chemical Reaction for Elaine and Luis
"Discover the inspiring journey of two high school sweethearts who turned a classroom spark into a lifelong passion for chemical engineering, thanks to the transformative power of Project SEED."
When Elaine Gomez and Luis Mendez first crossed paths in their freshman-year physics class at Union City High School, little did they know that their initial academic spark would ignite a lifelong journey into the intricate world of chemistry and chemical engineering.
Their shared passion for science deepened during their sophomore year when their honors chemistry teacher, Nadia Makar, introduced them to the American Chemical Society (ACS) Project SEED program. This initiative aims to provide economically disadvantaged high school students with invaluable summer research experiences, a chance both Elaine and Luis eagerly embraced.
“We both jumped at the opportunity,” recalls Elaine, underscoring the program’s immediate appeal. For Luis, born in Guatemala and having moved to the U.S. at age eight, and Elaine, whose mother hails from Argentina and father from Mexico, the prospect of advancing through education was a deeply cherished aspiration. “Project SEED was this résumé booster, and it was an experience that started to give me confidence that I could perform well in a STEM field,” Elaine reflects, highlighting the program’s profound impact on her self-assurance and career trajectory.
From Summer Research to College Success: Building a Foundation in STEM
Elaine and Luis spent their summers immersed in hands-on research. Luis honed his skills in a lab at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), while Elaine explored environmental science at the Meadowlands Environment Center and Montclair State University. These experiences not only solidified their interest in STEM but also equipped them with practical knowledge and confidence.
- Project SEED Scholarship: A scholarship for college.
- Gates Millennium Scholarship: A scholarship for students.
- Research Experience: Gaining experience in the STEM field.
A Lasting Impact: Mentoring the Next Generation of STEM Leaders
Gomez will be joining Mendez at ExxonMobil in April, after she earns her degree. She will be working in the Corporate Strategic Research division. 'We would not be where we are today without our Project SEED experiences,' she says. 'It fundamentally changed our lives for the better. It shaped my identity of who I am, and it shaped his. We are so thankful.' 'It feels really good to know where we've been and have an idea of where we're going,' Mendez says. “We are constantly seeking opportunities to mentor others.' In fact, for the past two summers, Gomez has served as a Project SEED mentor at Columbia University. 'I remember my experience and how much of an impact it had on me, and now it's going to have that impact on someone else,” she says.