[matt719]

Hello,

(I hope this isn't too conceptual for this forum. Most posts seem to be asking 'which atom' if you know what I mean.)

I'm halfway through my BA chemistry degree and I've realized I'm at a pivotal point in my education where I can start to explore my interests, having completed much of the basics. Having grown up in a rural area and having a vested interest in a clean environment (as it's where I spend nearly all of my free time), I believe I have found my passion. I wish to work to better chemistry's impact on the environment.

A few options I'm considering are: material chemistry, energy, atmosphere & oceanic chemistry. I've done enough research to know what areas of chemistry deal with the environment, but what I have a harder time finding is how they do. Or more specifically, I have a hard time envisioning exactly what I'd be doing. What I'm looking for is someone with experience in these fields to provide some first-hand knowledge and guidance (kind of vague, I know). 

For example, I really find the work done with corn-based products (polylactic acid) fascinating. Reading about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch really irks me, and I'd like to do something to change/ease the Western world's disposable society. Also, anything to do with renewable energy absolutely blows my mind. Fuel cells, solar cells, etc. 

In conclusion, I feel like I've gotten a good start on doing some background research, having honed in on an aspect of chemistry that excites me. I'm really looking for first hand accounts of chemists, whether in university or beyond, who have taken a similar paths. What are you doing and how did you get there? What can I do to reach my goal? What will I be doing? No information is insignificant! I write this because my first hand resources, professors at my large university, are mostly inaccessible and impersonal. 

Thank you and take it easy,
Matt