Fiorella Mazzini: From industry expert to Ph.D., shaping the future of chemistry education

Fiorella Mazzini using equipment in her lab — Fiorella Mazzini is part of the Macromolecules Innovation Institute (MII) at Virginia Tech and works on creating new materials made from polysaccharides, which have the potential to enhance the sustainability of man-made materials. Photo courtesy of Fiorella Mazzini.

This piece was written in the fall of 2024 by GRAD 5144 (Communicating Science) student Mary Adebote as part of an assignment to interview a classmate and write a news story about her research.

Fiorella Mazzini, a fourth-year Ph.D. student at Virginia Tech, has made impressive strides in both industry and academia. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Mazzini spent five years working for an SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) company, where she applied her expertise to solve real-world problems for government-affiliated projects. However, despite her experience and skills, she hit a professional ceiling. This inspired her to pursue a Ph.D. at Virginia Tech.

Today, Mazzini is part of the Macromolecules Innovation Institute (MII) at Virginia Tech, a highly interdisciplinary program that brings together experts from across the university. Her research focuses on creating new materials made from polysaccharides, which are natural materials made from chains of carbohydrates. These natural polymers have the potential to enhance the sustainability of man-made materials, aligning with the growing global demand for environmentally friendly materials. While her research has evolved from her initial interests, she says she has embraced her work and remains deeply committed to both her academic and personal growth.

The first year of her Ph.D. program was challenging, yet Mazzini persevered, finding strength in her commitment to both her academic pursuits and her family. As a family-oriented individual, she balances her rigorous research schedule with the joy of spending quality time with her loved ones.

Ph.D. student Fiorella Mazzini values the opportunities her graduate degree program offers while also cherishing time with her family. Photo courtesy of Fiorella Mazzini. — Ph.D. student Fiorella Mazzini appreciates both the opportunities presented by her graduate degree program and the joy of spending time with her family. Photo courtesy of Fiorella Mazzini.

“Living a meaningful life means nurturing both my career and my family,” she emphasizes.

Looking ahead, Mazzini envisions a career where she can merge her love for chemistry with her passion for teaching. After completing her Ph.D., she hopes to work at an undergraduate-centered institution where she can mentor young scientists and inspire them to pursue chemistry.

“I want to help undergraduates see the impact of chemistry on the world around them and motivate them to contribute to it,” she explains.

This teaching role would allow her to foster a new generation of chemists while ensuring she has the time to cherish her family life. Fiorella Mazzini’s journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering passion for chemistry. With her sights set on both research and education, she is poised to make a significant impact in her field, all while nurturing the values that matter most to her.