Russell Finds the Right Chemistry at UT

May 8, 2025 by artsciweb

Jerred Russell’s adaptability and Volunteer Spirit motivated him through multiple challenges to earn his chemistry PhD.

Jerred Russell grew up in the Bahamas, playing high school soccer at Kingsway Academy and dreaming of becoming a medical doctor. His excellent biology grades fueled this original career goal, but after a few unexpected turns—both academic and personal—he graduated from UT this spring with his PhD in chemistry and a desire to teach.

“I was always fond of science, because I wanted to be a doctor,” said Russell. “I was best at biology, and I was okay at physics. I liked chemistry, but my testing wasn’t the best—which surprised me because that’s where I am now, right?”

He started his undergraduate years in pre-med biochemistry at St. John’s University in Minnesota, where his first campus job was washing dishes in the dining hall. He soon found a new position, however, that set him on a new path.

“An opportunity opened in the chemistry department to be a teaching assistant,” said Russell. “I applied, got it, and from there I thought, ‘I like this chemistry!’”

Changes and Challenges While Building Skills

Russell discovered a knack for hands-on laboratory work that steered his aspirations into chemistry research. He was intrigued by the visible transformations that occur—such as the color changes as molecules interact—and the potential of direct applications for chemistry developments.

“The lab work, being able to see what I’m doing on a larger scale—those things fascinated me,” he said. “Then I realized that I was really good at sharing chemistry with the other students in the department, people who really appreciated me doing that.”

He officially switched his major to chemistry and became active in undergraduate research projects. Then, as educational and career goals came into focus, his personal life took a turn in the summer before his final year.

“I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS),” said Russell. “I had to make a decision whether to go back to Minnesota or to stay in the Bahamas.”

While this could have derailed his academic dreams, he decided to return and finish his undergraduate degree. He completed his final year at St. John’s and took time to figure out what his next steps would be.

His version of “taking time” included a two-year role teaching high school chemistry in the Bahamas, where he honed his classroom skills and built on his experiences helping others with their studies.

“I was successful in helping improve the results of our national testing,” said Russell. “That was nice. But after my first year of teaching, I decided that I needed to finish my educational journey.”

Innovative Strategies for Research and Spaces

After his time in chilly Minnesota, Russell looked for warmer temperatures when he applied to graduate schools. Knoxville’s temperate climate felt closer to home, and the UT Department of Chemistry’s welcoming environment and willingness to accommodate his increased mobility needs felt like the right fit.

His experiences earning his PhD have included navigating the COVID pandemic while managing the increasing effects of MS. He used a walker in the early days of his diagnosis and now uses a motorized wheelchair.

“One of the big things for me is managing fatigue as a symptom,” said Russell. “Being able to come into work and set out to do something and know that I may have limitations about how much I can do. I am very intentional with the time I have.”

As Russell’s research explored unique chemical reactions with potential applications in pharmaceutical innovations, the chemistry department explored increased accessibility for students with mobility challenges. They widened doors to the lab, retrofitted laboratory equipment to provide wheelchair access, and installed an ADA-compliant fume hood.

His advisor Professor David Jenkins praises Russell’s determined nature.

“Jerred’s strongest attribute is a positive mental attitude and an unbelievable amount of persistence,” said Jenkins. “He never gave up or got discouraged when things were out of his control.”

Russell now returns home to seek a teaching role at the University of the Bahamas, carrying with him a deep gratitude for the Volunteer community that welcomed him.

“I appreciate the opportunity just to be given the respect to do research in a chemistry lab,” said Russell. “I was able to build great, lifelong friendships with people at UT.”

By Randall Brown