I feel that this research really improved my laboratory skills, techniques and 
         confidence as a laboratory chemist. I never encountered as many new 
         procedures or skills needed in a laboratory from any other chemistry lab 
         during my schooling. Not only was it new to me, but very interesting. For 
         instance, I thought it was neat observing the microscopic, unique crystalline 
         structures that unknowingly exist only under the magnification of a microscope 
         and to be able to learn glass blowing. This research was very different than a 
         class lab, where in a class lab, an instructor is basically looking over your 
         shoulder the whole time. In the research laboratory, a few lessons were taught 
         on how to do the procedures and use the equipment, and then I was on my 
         own. My confidence of using expensive, large laboratory equipment definitely 
         increased; for example using the Rigaku D/Max-2200T diffractometer. The 
         experience I received from researching under Dr. Jing Li definitely enhanced 
         my professional development as a laboratory chemist, helped me to secure a 
         job as a chemist and I am sure I will use everything I learned in the future.