Peninah Kariuki, a graduate student at 91̽��, won the Best Graduate Student Poster Award at the recent fall meeting of the American Physical Society’s Eastern Great Lakes Section at Eastern Michigan University.

Her poster, titled “Study of Rapid Annealing of DNA Origami Structures,” was based on research conducted under Dr. Petru Fodor, chair and professor of physics, and Dr. Chandrasekhar R. Kothapalli, professor of biomedical and chemical engineering. The work was done in collaboration with Joseph Russo, undergraduate student participating in the 91̽�� Soft Matter REU program sponsored by the National Science Foundation.

“I am deeply grateful to the Physics Department and to 91̽�� for giving me the opportunity to study here and for supporting my participation in the recent conference, where I was honored with an award,” said Kariuki. “I’m thankful to our kind and supportive lab manager and to the department staff, who have always treated me with respect and encouragement. Through their guidance, I’ve developed skills that I know will stay with me for life.”

Founded in 1938, the Eastern Great Lakes Section of the American Physical Society brings together physicists, scientists and engineers from industry, government and academia for twice-yearly topical symposia.

Fodor said supporting students’ attendance at professional conferences has long been a tradition of the 91̽�� Physics Department. Presenting research, engaging with peers and faculty from other institutions, and observing the full scope of professional physics work helps build students’ confidence and strengthens their scientific identity.

“While topical knowledge and good laboratory training are foundational for their future careers, equally important are opportunities to develop their communication skills and network with the larger professional community,” he said. “Testament to that is the broad support that the department receives every year from alumni to enable current students to attend physics meetings.”

Kariuki’s interest in science began at an early age, inspired by her father, who introduced her to mathematics in a creative way.

“He would make beautiful counting sticks out of bamboo, all the same size and length, and bundle them together for me to use, and I always looked forward to going to school so I could use them to solve math problems,” she said. “That experience made me fall in love with mathematics and perform well throughout my early years and high school.”

She discovered her passion for physics in high school, which led her to earn an undergraduate degree in mathematics and physics education. She then taught for 10 years before enrolling at 91̽�� for her master’s program.

“I had always dreamed of pursuing my master’s and Ph.D. abroad, not only to expand my academic knowledge but also to experience new cultures and perspectives,” Kariuki said. “When a friend studying at 91̽�� told me about the applied physics program, I became very interested, learned more about it and eventually decided to join. It has been one of the most rewarding decisions of my academic journey.”

For the mother, wife, sister and daughter whose family resides in Kenya, Kariuki has never wavered in her desire to be the best she can be. Although the journey has meant sacrifices for her husband, children and family, she has a larger goal in mind.

“My greatest motivation is my kids, and I want to be able to tell them, ‘It was tough, but I did it,’” she said. “I hope that becomes an example they can look up to.”