Caitlin Ghent ’25 

Chemistry

caitlin ghent '25

As a high school student in Trumbull, Connecticut, Caitlin Ghent ’25 did not know what major to choose in college. This was not for lack of interest — quite the opposite! 

“I love to learn. I am so fascinated by so many different fields,” Caitlin said.

That is as true in her senior year of college as it was in high school. 

Caitlin was drawn to Providence College by its multi-disciplinary liberal arts core curriculum, its competitive NCAA Division I athletics programs, and an undeclared advising program that celebrates exploration and discernment rather than pushing students into majors that might not be the right fit. 

Once admitted, she learned more about programs in the natural sciences. New laboratory spaces in the Science Complex and a low ratio of students to faculty empower PC students to conduct hands-on research with expert mentorship from professors. By her first day of classes, Caitlin had chosen a major in chemistry. 

The COVID-19 pandemic made it impossible for Caitlin to work in chemistry labs in high school. At PC, between courses and her research with Maria Carroll, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry, she has more than made up for those missed experiences. As a senior, she spends as many as 12 hours each week in Dr. Carroll’s lab studying potential catalysts for hydrogen-based fuels and atmospheric carbon capture.  

Studying the natural sciences involves more than lab research (though there is no shortage of that). One of Caitlin’s favorite traditions is “Cheminar,” a peer-led presentation and discussion course chemistry students take in their junior and senior years. She is also president of the Chemistry Club, which offers more relaxed activities and social events to complement rigorous coursework. 

At other schools, chemistry students might study Chaucer, but reading The Canterbury Tales in her Development of Western Civilization course (better known as Civ) was a highlight of Caitlin’s studies, as was a colloquium on faith and doubt with Rev. Christopher Justin Brophy, O.P., assistant professor of political science, and Vance Morgan, Ph.D., professor of philosophy

“Questions of faith and doubt are very interesting to me as a scientist,” Caitlin said.

She has enjoyed learning about religion and religious experiences in Civ and other courses without feeling pressured to embrace religious practice. 

Caitlin is grateful for experiences that have helped her grow in personal and professional confidence, like the Leadership Fellows Program she undertook as a sophomore and her part-time job in the Chirico Career Center, where she has worked since her first year. 

“To be a good leader, you have to know yourself. I can see so many ways I’ve grown in confidence, perspective, self-discovery, and communication here,” she said. 

Between it all, Caitlin makes it to Friars hockey games in Schneider Arena on campus, where watching the men’s team upset the University of Denver Pioneers from a packed student section is one of her favorite college memories. 

“So many different experiences here have helped me become more capable, confident, and independent. Being a student at Providence College requires you to mature and challenge yourself, and I am very grateful for that.”