Meagan Elinski graduated from Hope College with a chemistry degree. She then went on to get her Doctorate of Philosophy in Chemistry from Texas A&M University. Her PhD research broadly focused on experimental surface and materials chemistry. Elinski is now back at Hope College as a Chemistry Assistant Professor giving back to the students here today. When she was a student here she was a Dorian, a member of many honor societies, Engineers without Borders, the Sailing team and Orientation.
What was a favorite memory while you were a student at Hope?
First time out in a sailboat – I joined the sailing team on a whim with no prior experience, and was completely hooked.
How are you a different person today because of your Hope experience?
From Hope, I gained the technical knowledge and skills I needed as I continued in science, I learned to communicate well with people outside my field through the interdisciplinary aspects of the liberal arts education, and I developed a lasting community in faith and friends. In return, I grew some very deep roots that make up who I am today.
What was your favorite food at Phelps?
My favorite food was actually from the Kletz – chicken fingers.
What is something you love about your job/career path?
I love being a scientist at a Christian college. I am able to work from a place that sees no boundaries between faith and science. I study really small things (nanoscale surface features), so along with the quantitative measurements and calculations there is also a lot of beauty and mystery that connect effortlessly with the beauty and mystery of faith.
What spot on campus do you miss the most?
Pine Grove
What was your favorite class you took at Hope? Why?
Fencing! I love trying to learn new skills.
What has been the highlight of your professional career?
It is way too hard to isolate one highlight from my professional career. But I can say that I am thrilled whenever my students (either in class or in the research lab) succeed – that will always lead to endless highlights.
Hope College is proud to honor Meagan Elinski ’13 with the 2020 10 Under 10 Award. The “10 Under 10 Awards” honors emerging leaders who are making significant contributions by living out their callings; engaged in the local and global community through professional and/or volunteer involvement; and use their education to think about important issues with wisdom and clarity, communicate effectively to bridge boundaries that divide human communities and act as agents of hope living faithfully into their vocations. Designed for alumni who are within 10 years of graduation, they are presented by the Hope College Alumni Association. Make a nomination today!