Behind the Test Tube: Q&A
Rose Kennedy—Associate Professor of Chemistry
Where is home/Where did you grow up?
I spent portions of my childhood in Ohio, Alabama, and Arizona. After graduating from high school, I decided that the desert was not for me. I’ve been in the northeastern US, appreciating the full range of seasons (including winter), ever since.
Why did you choose chemistry as a career?
I have always been driven to understand the world around me at a fundamental level. Thanks to great instructors and mentors in college (including Profs. Alison Frontier & Kara Bren), I discovered that chemistry provided the tools needed to answer the “why” questions that fascinated me. On a more practical level, I love that my research focus on synthesis and catalysis has enabled me to apply my skill set to address challenges in human health and environmental sustainability – two topics that are very important to me!
What is your proudest accomplishment while at the UofR?
I am incredibly proud of the amazing mentees with whom I have the great pleasure of working. Over our time together, their scientific, professional, and personal growth and accomplishments inspire and motivate me. Every graduation is bittersweet!
What do you like to do when not in the department?
I find it restorative to spend time out in nature and with the people I care about. As such, I look forward to combining the two on long evening walks with my family (including our two dogs.)
A Rochester must?
Get outdoors and explore the many, many parks in the area. I especially enjoy avoiding the crowds from the Lilac Festival and appreciating Highland Park in all its other seasons.
Feast/meal of the times?
I have a reputation for my love of broccoli, especially when it’s home-grown.
An inspiring book/movie/show?
I first read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig for a high school assignment, but it has stuck with me as a favorite in the years since. Although it’s technically fiction, the book offers a philosophical approach to science, epistemology, and doing quality work; I learn something about myself every time I return to it.
More recently, I have gravitated to podcasts for their portability. I especially enjoy “Ologies” with Alie Ward. The long-form interviews with ologists, experts in their respective sub-fields, delight and inspire while exposing me to new ways of thinking and plenty of interesting trivia.
Ask me about…
My dogs (Cupric & Ferric), my garden, or my latest DIY project.
The goal of this initiative is to highlight the diversity of backgrounds and perspectives in the Department of Chemistry and help our community develop stronger connections and synergies. You can think of these spotlights as the beginning of a conversation that we very much hope you will continue in the corridors of Hutch and beyond.
If you wish to contribute to this initiative, please complete our questionnaire.