Njideka Nnorom (Syndi) is a fifth-year Ph.D. student in the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering program at Rice University. Syndi began research in water purification as an undergraduate. “I knew that was what I wanted to do, given the fact that access to water is just something that people from developing regions don’t necessarily have.” Syndi's research interests are extended to her extracurricular activities as well. Syndi is the president of the Black Graduate Student Association, which focuses on the academic development and social acclimation of Black graduate students at Rice. “It’s something I always searched for growing up, having that person who understood what it’s like to be Black in school. Being involved in BGSA, I’m able to do that more holistically for other students who may want the community aspect.”