Brielle (Tilson ’18) Shope

Chemistry

Biography

After graduating from Taylor in 2018 with a BA in chemistry and minors in Physics and Spanish, I went on to receive a Master of Science in physics from Ball State University. During my time at Ball State, I was a graduate assistant in the planetarium and presented live shows to audiences of all ages. My experience at Ball State was the stepping stone I needed to launch me into the career that combines chemistry, physics, and astronomy - astrochemistry! I am currently a rising third year pursuing a PhD in astrochemistry at the University of Virginia. My thesis work will entail 3D magnetohydrodynamic and chemical modeling of star-forming regions and comparisons of these simulations to data from the recently launched James Webb Telescope and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) radio telescope. In 2021, I married Austan Shope, whom I met my freshman year at Taylor in Calculus II class! Our pride and joy is our German shepherd, Maverick. My husband and I enjoy hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains and spending time outdoors with our pup!

What were some of your most valuable experiences at Taylor?

One of my favorite experiences was traveling to Greece and Italy over J-term with the Footsteps of Paul program. I had the privilege of going my freshman year and met so many authentic, genuine, and loving people who became great friends of mine. Traveling the streets of Rome and standing in the presence of such historical sites was an experience I will never forget. The Bible really came alive to me that trip and I will never read Paul’s letters the same again!

How did your classes or interactions with professors at Taylor impact your growth?

My most valuable experiences at Taylor stem from the love and care I received from each and every professor I had in both the chemistry and physics departments. All of the professors genuinely cared about my studies, well-being, and faith. My research advisor patiently guided me through all of my academic track changes, connected me with chemists in different fields (astrochemistry being one of them!), encouraged me to attend local conferences and the national American Chemistry Society (ACS) spring meeting, all the while becoming a valuable mentor to me in my undergraduate studies. I am so appreciative of all the guidance and support from the entirety of the chemistry and physics faculty. Thank you.

How can Taylor graduates use their unique Taylor education and its liberal arts foundational core as an asset in your discipline?

Integration of faith and learning. While at Taylor, it was such a given to me. I was surrounded by fellow Christian scientists and we so openly talked about our faith without a second thought. Now I am in a field where it can often feel like I am the only Christian. People around me are often surprised that I am Christian because they tend to think they are at odds with each other. But that could never be farther from the truth! The foundational core classes I took while at Taylor (Biblical Literature, Historic, and Contemporary Christian Belief) and the conversations in and out of classes have equipped me for the secular world and to keep my faith dear to my heart. It also prepares me to share my faith and the lessons I've learned on the integration of faith and science.

What advice or encouragement could you provide for Taylor students in your vocational discipline?

Never hesitate to ask questions. It is never too late to ask them. You are only doing yourself a disservice by not asking! Secondly, get back in-person. Start networking with people. You’ll never know how a simple conversation can lead you on a track you never knew existed.