Still From The Soul Magazine - Interview with Jameelah Muhammad Interviewer: What did you want to be growing up?
Jameelah: Growing up, I wanted to be many things. I was attracted to practically anything I saw that looked enjoyable so, I only had a fixed idea of being a particular “thing” for a short period of time – until I came across the next thing that attracted me. For example, on a Target run I’d see an employee, in the parking lot, collecting buggies [shopping carts] and I’d ecstatically exclaim to my mother ‘I want to do that!’. Other things included, being a helicopter pilot along with other random things. I never wanted to be any of the “esteemed” professions that most children claim to want to be such as, a doctor, lawyer or police officer. Interviewer: Tell us about your recent achievements?
Jameelah: Well, I’m not much of a speaker – it is my least favorite form of communication so, a recent achievement for me would be speaking at a Women’s Luncheon this past July where I briefly spoke on some of my personal experiences with health and nutrition. Interviewer: What did you major in [in college],
what is your degree in?
Jameelah: I majored in Forensic Chemistry. Then I went to graduate school and majored in Chemistry. So I have a Bachelor’s of Science in Forensic Chemistry and a Master’s of Science in Chemistry. Interviewer: What is the name of the college you graduated from?
Jameelah: I graduated from Western Illinois University. Interviewer: What do you want to be in life?
Jameelah: Laughs out loud ...at this point, just a good person. I’ve wanted to be so many things over time, that I’ve realized, for me, the true joy is in the accomplishment – not in
continuing to be “something”. So, I’d like to just apply what I know, to whatever I’m trying to do and be ‘that’ for that moment. Interviewer: What do you want to accomplish on your journey?
Jameelah: I want to accomplish securing good friendships and trust...those things are really valuable. Interviewer: Do you believe that you can make a difference in your world?
Jameelah: In my world, yeah…
Interviewer: Why did you decided to pursue the field of chemistry?
Jameelah: During my sophomore year of high school, I took a forensics course. One day, in lab, we were creating “blood” spatter from various heights and angles then, we used mathematics to calculate and infer additional information about the “blood” spatter. I was fascinated! ...and I fell in love with the application of the mathematics to the science! I knew from this course that I wanted to do something with forensics. The following year or so, I discovered the show, CSI, and I started binge watching it. From this, I was able to get a better visual of the application of forensics. When it came time to apply for college, I knew exactly what I was looking for. At the time, there weren’t many degree programs for this type science so, I only had two choices. Western Illinois University, which offered a Forensic Chemistry degree and Ohio Northern University, which offered a Forensic Biology degree. While reading the degree descriptions, the Forensic Chemistry description aligned more with what I wanted to do – plus I never liked biology in school. Although, I originally wanted to be a chef, I chose to pursue chemistry for financial reasons – I figured I’d fair better in life by being a chemist over being a chef. Interviewer: What skills would you like to develop further or improve on?
Jameelah: Hmmm… I’d really like to develop more toxicology skills. Since college, that’s been my main focus. Interviewer: Do you prefer to work with others or independently?
Jameelah: Honestly, it depends on the task. I’d love to work with others – I feel it has the potential to give the work more meaning, but historically I’ve been disappointed by group work so, I’m hesitant. Interviewer: What are your goals and interests?
Jameelah: One of my goals is to get a mentor in the toxicology field or become an intern with a pathologists so that I can get more hands-on experience. I’m always interested in learning and I would love to work with someone who is already in the field. Interviewer: What are your short and long-term goals?
Jameelah: One of my short-term goals is to find people who are interested in some of the things I’m interested in. My long-term goals are to have all the things I’m interested in tie into one big picture that I can see laughs out loud. Interviewer: Tell us about being a chemist… what are you doing or doing research on?
Jameelah: For me, being a chemist is about being very inquisitive. Right now, I have an obsession with food science. Sometimes, I write articles on my findings. For research, I like to read qualitative and quantitative analytical reports. I also research to create – I’ve crafted organic soap, scent formulations and organic seasoning mixes. My work thus far, has been the result of my research. Interviewer: What significant challenges did you have to endure or face as a chemist or on campus?
Jameelah: During my last semester of graduate school, I ran into an issue with the instrument I was using to do research for my thesis – me nor my mentor, could get the flame to light on the Gas Chromatography – Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) and the department couldn’t afford to hire someone externally to repair it. I was faced with the decision of waiting for it to be fixed and possibly missing my prospective graduation date or scrapping my research and starting a new project in hopes to make the prospective date. I chose to start a new research project and I stayed on campus during spring break to make sure I’d get a semester’s worth of research and reporting done in about 10 weeks. I successfully defended my thesis the day before graduation. Interviewer: What steps did you have to take in the last year to improve your skills?
Jameelah: I took more time to read to improve my research skills. When researching, it’s easy to look for articles or documents that support your stance, but true, unbiased, research involves a thorough investigation of a subject-matter from different stances. It also involves taking the time to understand the why. Interviewer: Have you ever had your work as a chemist criticized?
Jameelah: No, I haven’t. Most people are receptive to my work and they support it. Interviewer: What methods do you use to ensure the proper maintenance and operation of lab equipment?
Jameelah: I try to keep my equipment clean and well-maintained by following the care instructions and storing it after each use. Interviewer: Are you a published writer as well? Jameelah: Yes, I am published in the Journal of Cutaneous Pathology. Interviewer: Are you self-published? Jameelah: Yes, I am also self-published – some of my articles are on Medium [online platform] and I have written some books. Interviewer: Do you think that you will make a difference with your research and work? With the individual, yes.
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