Science, Scholarship, Success: UWG Alumna Paves the Way for Future Careers in Chemistry Share this page
For University of West Georgia alumna Paulina Ramirez ’24, the beauty of chemistry lies in its perfect balance of logic and creativity – a world where mathematics meets abstract thoughts.
“Chemists are architects who build molecules,” said Ramirez. “Whether that be in medicine or everyday materials.”
A chemistry major, Ramirez graduated summa cum laude in December 2024, earning prestigious scholarships and awards, including the Esslinger Pre-Organic and Pope-Grogan Awards, while showcasing her research at various conferences. These unique experiences didn’t just enrich her academic journey; they equipped her with the skills and confidence that have helped shape her career.
Ramirez was devoted to academic success, and it showed. In addition to the Zell Miller, Newnan Kiwanis and Dr. & Mrs. Richard Ingle Experiential Learning Endowment Scholarships, she received funding as a Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) scholar, a program funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) that aims to support minorities earning STEM degrees.
Under this program, Ramirez completed three projects on supramolecular research and received best presentation awards at various symposiums for multiple years. She also presented at two national conferences in Washington, D.C., where she had the unique opportunity to workshop her research and network with other like-minded individuals.
“STEM in its purest form is the sharing of information and ideas,” said Ramirez.
From these experiences, Ramirez has also acquired a growth mindset and student-mentality, encouraging others to be open-minded and patient.
“Don’t be scared of a challenge,” said Ramirez. “Curious people – those who want to learn – are the ones who succeed.”
As of January 2025, she has been working as a lab technician in the Global Research and Development sector at Coca-Cola. Her ultimate goal is to pursue a Ph.D. and work in the pharmaceutical industry.
“UWG was so one-on-one,” concluded Ramirez. “Students should take advantage of all the resources and help that’s available on campus.”