Kelsey Horrace-Herron
Title: Ph.D Student
Advisor: Sandip Ray
Department: Electrical & Computer Engineering
Born in St. Louis and raised in East St. Louis, Illinois, Horace-Herron started her UF journey in the summer of 2018 when a mentor recommended her for UF’s Junior Preview. “The experience was transformative, leading to an opportunity to participate in UF’s SURF (Summer Undergraduate Research at Florida) program the following summer, where I worked with Professor Swarup Bhunia,” she said. Soon after that, Horrace-Herron won the Graduate School Preeminence Award and knew “UF was the perfect place for me.”
Our graduate students bring a unique blend of passion, expertise, and dedication to their research. In and out of the lab, they are driven by curiosity and a commitment to advancing their field. Here are their stories, visions, and pop-culture fixations.
- What did you want to be growing up?
Patent attorney. I needed a degree in a STEM field, which led me to major in computer engineering. However, life took me in a completely different direction. I’m happy with where I’ve ended up so far — funny how things work out. - What is the most interesting project you have worked on at UF?
I’m working on Material Authentication using NQR/NMR Spectroscopy. One of the exciting aspects of this research is that it isn’t limited to just software or hardware; I get to explore both. Additionally, to grasp the fundamentals of the spectroscopic techniques, I dive into a bit of chemistry and physics. There’s also a wide range of projects that can branch off from NQR/NMR spectroscopy, many of which have the potential to make a positive impact on society. - What are your biggest accomplishments?
Passing my proposal defense and founding a startup called Resonance Signatures in 2021. Just this past year, on April 18, we secured Phase I SBIR funding through the National Science Foundation. We’re now in the process of pursuing Phase II funding, so fingers crossed. - What are you watching?
I’m currently re-watching all the Harry Potter films — I’m a huge Harry Potter fanatic. I’m also re-reading the entire book series, diving back into the magic all over again. - What’s the funniest/most memorable thing that has ever happened to you?
A solar eclipse coincided with my birthday on April 8. That same day, I also had my proposal defense. Even though it was an incredible day with all these special events, I was so exhausted from tirelessly preparing for my defense that I was asleep by 6 p.m.