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From the moment Caroline Evans ’26 proposed a research project to Assistant Chemistry Professor Brett Hemric, Hemric knew she was going to be an exceptional researcher.

Evans will be one of 1,992 students honored at UTampa’s 162nd commencement on Saturday, May 9, at the Expo Hall at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Then, she will pursue a doctorate in organic chemistry at Purdue University in the fall.

“I think I like (organic chemistry) for the same reason that a lot of people don’t like it,” said Evans. “I love solving puzzles.”

At the College of Natural and Health Sciences Undergraduate Research Symposium a few weeks ago, Evans won first place for her project studying light-driven chemical reactions. She’s now authoring a manuscript on the subject and hopes to submit a paper for publication later this year.

While taking Advanced Organic Chemistry with Hemric, Evans developed an interest in photochemistry, which uses light to trigger chemical reactions. At the time, Hemric’s lab used strong acids for molecule reactions, so when Evans approached him about working together, she suggested a new method that would use light instead of acid.

“I try to get away from using strong acids, because they’re not really safe to work with,” she explained. “Also, some molecules are sensitive to acid, so they’ll fall apart.”

Hemric said that he was quick to say “yes” when Evans asked him about joining his lab due to her performances in his classes. “I told her to get some ideas and email me at the conclusion of the semester,” he recollected. “The day final grades were due, she sent me a six-page, 15-reference, NIH-style proposal with three novel aims. … For Caroline to already be at this level as an undergraduate is extraordinary.”

The lab that Evans worked in for the last year and a half is now filled with on-theme décor that she crocheted, “like a molecule with a smiley face on it, or a cute little Erlenmeyer flask.” She’s also found that she excels at mentoring other students in the lab and enjoys the collaboration.

“I just love being the lab and asking everybody how their projects are going,” she said. “Every week, I get inspired by the people I work with.”

At Purdue, Evans will be starting an internship on June 15, where she’ll meet other professors before deciding which lab to work for during her Ph.D. program. She’s looking forward to a few months of research with a new project, new people and no classes to distract her. While she may be moving on from photochemistry, she’ll soon be shining her light in a new place.