Dr. Braaksma grew up in rural Indiana, where great mentors and unique opportunities sparked her early passion for math and science. An industrial engineering internship in high school set her on the path to earn a chemical engineering degree from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Through several industrial internships during undergrad, she gained valuable technical skills but realized that what she truly loved was mentorship and the human side of STEM. Along the way, she developed a fascination with chemistry and its ability to connect theory with real-world problem solving, leading her to pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry at Texas A&M University, where she deepened both her technical expertise and commitment to mentorship. Having benefited greatly from the supportive, close-knit environment of her undergraduate institution, she is now committed to fostering the same sense of community, curiosity, and growth for the next generation of scientists at Florida Southern College. There, she creates a supportive learning environment and engages students in independent research, helping them realize their potential and passion for discovery.