Andrea Mines
Graduate Student Researcher
- I am a recent graduate from the University of Pittsburgh with over 6 years of hands-on, collaborative research experience. I have worked both at large research institutions and in small academic laboratories. My projects have been in the areas of cancer imaging and immunology, angiogenisis, medicinal chemistry, computational chemistry, and organic synthesis. I have contributed to a published compiling more than 110 references in collaboration with several other researchers.
In this time, I have mentored middle school, high school and undergraduate students through their transition into their next phase of education, highlighting ways that science can be incorporated throughout their education.
I am deeply passionate about guiding young scientists through their projects and supporting them in making innovative discoveries.
- Universities attended -
- University of Pittsburgh University of Pittsburgh Master of Science - MS, Chemistry
- Boston University Boston University Bachelor of Arts - BA, Chemistry, Biochemistry
- Middle Georgia State University Middle Georgia State University Associate of Science - AS, Engineering
- Preferred format of mentorship - 1-on-1 mentoring, Small group research (2–3 students), Short-term Pods (4–6 sessions), Flexible / I’m open to different formats
- Time zone - EST
- Your general weekly availability for sessions - Monday- Friday 9am-6pm EST
- Any additional information you’d like to share with us? -
- Currently residing in the Savannah, US. Might change my location in few months but will keep you informed about anything in advance.
- Brief Summary of Your Research Interests.
- My research focuses on expanding the accessible synthetic methodology for functionalizing 6,12-guaianolide lactam analogs. In particular, I focused on Csp2-Csp2 bond transformations. Additionally, I lead collaborative efforts with our biological department to determine medicinal chemistry applications.
- Please describe your past experience mentoring or teaching students.
- I have taught organic and general chemistry courses at the University of Pittsburgh for 5 semesters. This involved facilitating laboratory courses, lecturing, and grading assignments. In addition, I have been an academic tutor for 7 years, working with students 3rd-12 and undergraduates in a range of science, math, and literary courses.
- List 3–5 example project ideas students could pursue with your guidance.
- Understanding the Biosynthesis of Sesquiterpene Lactones
- Modeling Synthetic Intermediates towards Estrogen Precursors
- Understanding Androstenedione Conversion as Related to PCOS
- Determining Successful Interventions in Addressing Graduate Educational Gaps
- Centralization of Chemical Safety Reporting
- What types of final deliverables can your students expect to produce?
- Research paper
- Literature review
- Presentation or oral defense
- Any additional project themes, trending ideas, or real-world challenges you’d love to explore with motivated high school students?
- I am passionate about women's health, green chemistry, breakdown of hazardous waste in the environment
- 🗣️ Communication & Presentation
- Academic writing (papers, reports)
- Public speaking / oral presentations
- Creating research posters or infographics
- 🔍 Research & Inquiry Skills
- Formulating research questions
- Conducting literature reviews
- Identifying credible sources
- Understanding academic research structures (papers, abstracts, citations)
- Synthesizing information from multiple sources
- 🧠 Critical Thinking & Analysis
- Analyzing arguments and data
- Drawing logical conclusions
- 📊 Quantitative & Qualitative Methods
- Designing experiments or surveys
- Data visualization
- 🎨 Creativity & Problem-Solving
- Brainstorming innovative solutions
- Connecting interdisciplinary ideas
- Applying knowledge to real-world challenges
- 📅 Project Management & Organization
- Setting research goals and timelines
- Managing independent work
- Documenting progress
- Revising based on feedback
- 🤝 Collaboration & Mentorship
- Engaging in intellectual discussions
- Receiving and applying constructive feedback
- Building research confidence and autonomy