Mary Graham speaking with Alain Kaloyeros

As a doctoral student at UAlbany's College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE), Mary V. Graham finds that her ability to communicate her research is as important as the research itself. At a recent public roundtable panel discussion at CNSE, she offered the audience real-life examples of the exciting world of nanotechnology as it relates to her work. Take, for instance, the dentist's office.

"As everyone knows, water is essential to a dentist's work. We would like to make sure that the pipes through which the water is passing have a surface that assists in the prevention of bacterial contamination," said Graham, who is mentored by CNSE Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer, and Professor of Nanoscience Alain Kaloyeros and by Assistant Professor of Nanobioscience Nathaniel Cady. "Science on the nanoscale level can help us achieve that."

"I wanted to attend a school where I would be exposed to all races, ethnicities, and cultures. And for me, UAlbany was that place." - Mary V. Graham

"Mary possesses the necessary combination of intelligence, passion, and drive to succeed, along with great communication skills and the ability to adapt in a research environment that is constantly evolving," said Dr. Kaloyeros. "Without question, I see promising careers ahead for Mary and her fellow doctoral students, each of whom is receiving an unparalleled education at CNSE that is uniquely preparing them to be the scientists and researchers of the 21st century."

Her parents' belief in her, combined with the undergraduate mentoring she received from Assistant Professor of Nanoscience James Raynolds through CNSE's Summer Internship Program and the Albany Summer Research Program, introduced Graham to advanced scientific research, where "you not only need to learn how to communicate, but how to communicate effectively," said the former undergraduate math major and cheerleader from Wingdale, N.Y.

"I wanted to attend a school where I would be exposed to all races, ethnicities, and cultures," said Graham. "And for me, UAlbany was that place! Even better, it was not too far from home, and did I mention that my favorite color is purple?" 

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