Aria Mingo
Chemistry & Chemical Biology
Detroit, Mich.
Why did you choose Cornell?
The reason I decided to attend Cornell was to not only grow academically but also as a person. As a freshman, I entered college knowing that I had a strong passion for chemistry and that Cornell was known for its rigorous chemistry curriculum — especially in obtaining honors. The reason that I was torn between universities was because I was nervous to leave home for this place that I had never even visited. Although I considered and still consider myself to be extremely extroverted, going to a university where I knew absolutely nobody at all was slightly fear-inducing. Despite this, I wanted to broaden my horizons, and I am so glad that I had an opportunity to do so. I am extremely grateful to my mom, who encouraged and convinced me to stretch my wings and, as it happens, find my wings. I believe that going outside of comfort zones and striving for success is crucial in character development, leading towards the maturation of oneself. New friends, new locations and new experiences, but I still remained true to myself in the process. All that was necessary was the willingness to set off on a path of growth, coupled with resilience.
What is your main extracurricular activity and why is it important to you?
My main extracurricular activity is art, specifically crocheting. I first started to crochet when I was around 10 years old because it was a fun after-school activity. With pursuing other art endeavors, I didn’t actually start crocheting again until I got to college. Once I had rediscovered this hobby, I made use of it by making friends’ and family members' clothing and accessory pieces. In producing artwork with this medium, I have also been able to showcase my designs and interact with my community more. In being a student designer for Afrik, Pan-African Student Association’s annual fashion show featuring various Black designers, I pushed myself to maintain consistency along with producing new ideas for what I could construct. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to showcase art that I have created on such a large scale. I enjoy being able to pour my ideas and inspirations into creations that bring joy to those I care about. I hope that you, as the reader of this excerpt, are able to find yourself doing the same.
What have you accomplished as a Cornell student that you are most proud of?
I am involved in undergraduate research within the Ober Group in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering and Chemistry & Chemical Biology. Within the group, I have worked on projects in both organic and inorganic synthesis. The first project encompassed coating optical nanoparticle CdS quantum dots with ceramic shells utilizing reverse microemulsion techniques, creating a stable, protective layer. The second and current project is focused on synthesizing polyamides with controllable side chain functionalization via the Passerini reaction, spanning from monomer synthesis and purification to polymerization and post-functionalization to fine-tune material properties. The advances of selecting varied side groups can be further applied to fields of bio-antifouling and anti-penetration through coatings. I am also involved in the realm of chemistry at Cornell as the co-president of Cornell’s Women in Chemistry (WiC). We aim to foster a supportive environment for undergraduate students that allows for exponential development within the community. In doing so, we aim to create safe spaces where everyone can share experiences that might support someone else’s journey.
If you were to offer advice to an incoming first year student, what would you say?
If I were to offer advice to an incoming first-year student, I would encourage them to truly learn what they are interested in doing. Dream about what you hope to accomplish and recognize that there aren’t ceilings when it comes to ambition. Notice and pursue the beneficial feelings associated with triumph, reaching for them even if fear surrounds you. You may feel like it is your duty to fulfill others’ expectations, or maybe even that you’re “in too deep.” It’s important to remember that everyone makes choices according to their own plan; although influenced by others, each individual must create their own unique blueprint. Don't conform to a predetermined path just to make people around you happy. Make yourself happy by responsibly pursuing what you love.
Every year, our faculty nominate graduating Arts & Sciences students to be featured as part of our Extraordinary Journeys series.Read more about the Class of 2025.
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