rom helping students thrive in the classroom and in campus housing, to conducting undergraduate research at UCSB and at a national laboratory, Chandraki Chatterjee has remained extremely active while pursuing her bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering at UC Santa Barbara. Recently, a committee in the Chemical Engineering Department selected the fourth-year senior as the 2025 recipient of the Amy Lutz Smiley Scholarship in recognition of her excellent academic performance and contributions to the UCSB community as a whole.
“I am honored to receive the Amy Lutz Smiley Scholarship,” said Chatterjee, who graduated from Dougherty Valley High School in Northern California. “This recognition is a powerful encouragement to continue working hard in all aspects of my life, whether in academics, community engagement, or personal growth.”
Chatterjee has compiled an extensive list of community engagement activities that includes tutoring chemistry students and serving as president of the UCSB Student Apartment Community Council, a role in which she finds ways to make college life more affordable and enjoyable for her fellow students. She is also the co-president of the UCSB chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, working to strengthen the sense of community among students in the department and to expand the networking and career opportunities available to members. Two years ago, she joined the research lab of chemical engineering professor Michelle O’Malley, working to uncover the mechanisms that drive the breakdown of plastics. She also interned at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where she was tasked with optimizing a sampling method for X-ray free-electron lasers.
“I’ve pursued a variety of extracurriculars because I enjoy gaining new perspectives, learning from others, and giving back to the community,” explained Chatterjee. “When I first started at UCSB, I benefited greatly from the support of mentors, and I want to be that person for others.”
Chatterjee is leaning toward attending graduate school to further explore sustainable materials and bioengineering, likely in the medical device fabrication sector. She says that UCSB has set her up for success, wherever she goes.
“I want to keep learning, solving complex problems, and finding ways to make a meaningful impact. UCSB and the Chemical Engineering Department have prepared me well by fostering my critical thinking skills, providing hands-on research opportunities, and surrounding me with a community that values innovation and collaboration.”
She expressed gratitude to Professor O’Malley for giving her an opportunity to work in her lab and for her mentorship, and also thanked chemical engineering professor Bradley Chmelka and assistant teaching professor Joe Chada, for their encouragement, which, she says, “shaped my confidence in myself as an engineer.”
