2 hours ago
Kat Bay ’16, a University of La Verne chemistry alumna, now manages the Teaching with Schrödinger program (Courtesy Kat Bay).
The ULV alumna now helps professors and students around the world explore chemistry through advanced computational tools
When Kat Bay reflects on her journey from undergraduate chemistry major to manager of the Teaching with Schrödinger program, she credits the University of La Verne with laying the foundation for a career she never imagined possible.
“I was drawn to La Verne because it’s a smaller campus where you get hands-on attention and specialized learning,” Kat, who grew up in Arcadia, recalls. “The faculty members really motivated me and pushed me to pursue research opportunities I never thought I could achieve.”
During her years at La Verne from 2012 to 2016, Kat immersed herself in the Chemistry Department. She worked as a tutor at the Academic Success Center, assisted in chemistry laboratories, and even collaborated with the department chair on curriculum development for introductory chemistry courses. This early involvement not only strengthened her understanding of chemistry but also cultivated leadership and teaching skills she continues to draw upon today.
Kat’s undergraduate experiences propelled her into prestigious research internships at Ames National Laboratory, Caltech, and the University of Cambridge. These opportunities, she notes, were only possible due to the encouragement and mentorship of her professors at La Verne. Following her bachelor’s degree, she earned a PhD in organic chemistry at UCLA before embarking on a career that sits at the intersection of academia and industry.
Now, as manager of the Teaching with Schrödinger program, Kat works to bring Schrödinger’s advanced computational physics-based platform into classrooms worldwide. Her team trains professors and students to use technology that is backed by rigorous scientific research and development validated by thousands of customers to visualize molecular processes.
“It’s like a chemistry microscope on a computer,” Kat explains. “We’re helping students gain skills they can use in the workforce while also opening doors to scientific understanding early in their education.”
For Kat, the most rewarding part of her work is connecting students and professors to new technologies and opportunities.
“I love being at the interface of academia and industry,” she says. “Introducing students to tools and experiences they might not have otherwise encountered is incredibly fulfilling.”
Kat emphasizes the importance of embracing opportunities during college. “Try new things and tackle every opportunity with full effort,” she advises. “Even if something isn’t the right fit, it’s still valuable – it teaches you, shapes you, and keeps doors open for the future.”
“Kat brought her intellectual ability and a great attitude, but also a willingness to give back,” said Nixon Mwebi, chair of the Department of Chemistry.
“Kat is a prime example of getting out of the university what you put into it,” said Andrew Rice, manager of the Chemistry Department. “She participated in many extracurricular activities, joined clubs, worked as a student assistant with the then-department chair, Iraj Parchamazad, and served as a teaching assistant for several undergraduate courses.”
Kat’s connection to La Verne remains strong. She will return to the University of La Verne on March 25 to give a talk to prospective chemistry majors. She continues to maintain relationships with professors who were pivotal in her academic journey, describing them as lifelong mentors who provide guidance and support no matter where her career takes her.
Kat Bay will present “Chemistry: The Core of Drug Design” at LaFetra Lecture Hall on March 25 at noon.
