Victoria Cinnater, originally from south of New Orleans, has always had a passion for chemistry. She pursued her undergraduate degree in the subject at Loyola University New Orleans before stepping into the workforce for two years. Now, she is a graduate student at Duke University, continuing her studies in chemistry with a focus on interrogating electron spin for applications relevant to the Department of Defense.

Beyond her research, Victoria is dedicated to student support and mentorship. She currently serves as an outreach specialist for AEOP’s Internships and Fellowships program, helping graduate students and postdocs identify and navigate opportunities in STEM fields. Prior to this role, she worked as an advisor for a scholarship office, guiding students through the Fulbright application process, as well as a chemistry tutor, teaching assistant, and guest lecturer. She also holds a certificate in college teaching and actively contributes to the Chemistry Community Board and the Graduate Chemistry Council at Duke.

Discovering AEOP: A Chance Meeting Leads to a Passion for Outreach

Victoria’s involvement with AEOP began through her National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship, which funds her graduate work. As part of the fellowship, she attended a conference where she connected with AEOP representatives, including Donna Burnette, Program Lead at AEOP Internships and Fellowships, who later reached out about an opportunity to support the program. Drawn to AEOP’s mission, Victoria saw a chance to elevate the program and help students navigate the application process. 

Victoria’s Evolving Role with AEOP

Victoria started at AEOP focusing on its communications and recruitment strategy, but now she is hoping to dive deeper into enhancing the overall experience for participants. She aims to make the program more impactful by strengthening student engagement, refining academic outreach, and expanding opportunities for professional development.

As a graduate student herself, Victoria is also helping rethink AEOP’s messaging and approach. She works closely with her team to ensure outreach efforts and available positions align with academic expectations, making opportunities more accessible and engaging for students.

Expanding the Program’s Impact

While AEOP provides invaluable lab experiences, Victoria envisions the program going beyond research opportunities. She hopes to integrate career development services, such as webinars and mock interviews, to better prepare fellows for their professional journeys. Additionally, she would like to build a community where fellows can connect beyond their individual sites and engage with one another. 

Another key goal for her is to foster a strong alumni network. She sees the potential for past participants to stay engaged—whether by mentoring, volunteering, or returning to teach students in similar positions. Building this community would not only strengthen networking opportunities but also instill pride in being an AEOP alum.

Advice for Applicants

Victoria’s top advice for students applying to AEOP Internships and Fellowships? Be authentic.

“Don’t apply as the candidate you think they want—lean into your strengths. There’s no such thing as a perfect applicant, and it’s okay to have shortcomings. Express your willingness to grow and show them who you really are.”

She also encourages students to embrace the unpredictability of their career paths. “Your education and career journey aren’t always linear,” she shares. “I graduated without a clear direction, worked in different jobs, and eventually went back to school. Even now, I don’t have every step planned out—and that’s okay. Don’t feel pressured to define your entire future. Instead, explore, try new things, and discover what truly excites you.”

Coming Soon: Tips and Advice for Navigating STEM Careers

Stay tuned as we feature Victoria in an upcoming piece, where she’ll share more about her experiences, insights for students interested in AEOP Internships and Fellowships, and reflections on navigating an academic and professional career in STEM.

To learn more about AEOP Internships and Fellowships, click here.