‘Endless Possibilities’: From the Mysteries of the Universe to the Written Word
Student Snapshot: Boriana Yotzova ’26
International student Boriana Yotzova ’26 (chemistry, creative writing) found a supportive home at Dickinson, where she’s conducted high-level research on the Orion KL nebula and job-shadowed in the cosmetic-chemistry industry. After publishing original student-faculty research and presenting at the 2026 American Chemical Society meeting, she’s prepared to pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry at Rutgers-Newark.
Hometown:
Sofia, Bulgaria.
High school:
American College of Sofia.
Major:
Chemistry, with a minor in creative writing.
Clubs and organizations:
American Chemical Society (Dickinson chapter) and Alpha Lambda Delta.
Honors/scholarships/awards:
Provost’s Scholarship.
Best thing about my Dickinson experience so far:
Dickinson has some of the best people I have ever met, from students to professors and staff. The support I have received here is like nothing I have experienced before.
Best thing about my major:
People think of chemistry as this grueling, stuck-in-the-lab hardcore science. But once you realize that everything around you is about chemistry, the possibilities are endless. I have experienced many different areas of chemistry—sustainable chemistry, farm work, cosmetic chemistry, astrochemistry, inorganics and materials—and am still curious about so much! Sometimes, if you give the harder things a chance, you open doors you never would have expected.
On choosing Dickinson:
At my high school in Bulgaria, I was very close to my English teacher, Susan White. She knew that I wanted to go to the U.S. for college, and she told me about Dickinson. Two of her kids had graduated from Dickinson and loved it, so she believed it was the right place for me. I am so glad I listened to her.
Favorite class:
Inorganic Chemistry. It was difficult, and I did not perform well in the beginning. But I was so interested in the material, so I did my best to improve, and I did. I learned to never give up, no matter how hard things may seem to be.
Another favorite class would be Advanced Creative Writing: Fiction. As a writer, the best and worst thing is hearing what others got from your work. In this class I have learned how important perspective is, and that the truth isn’t as objective as you think it is.
Favorite professor:
I cannot say I have a favorite professor, but the one I have been the closest with is Assistant Professor of Chemistry Olivia Wilkins. I have been her student, her teaching and research assistant and her mentee, but above all else, I hope I am considered her friend. She has helped me out in some of my toughest periods and has given me the chance to prove myself as a capable scientist.
My other contenders would be Associate Professor of Chemistry Sarah St. Angelo and Professor of Creative Writing Susan Perabo. Both have inspired me to pursue my dreams in life, no matter how unconventional they may be.
On studying abroad:
As an international student, Dickinson College basically is my study abroad. Sometimes I still experience culture shock even though I have been here for four years! Highlights would definitely be all the travelling I’ve done. As part of my job-shadowing opportunity in Dana Point, Calif., I went to Las Vegas for Cosmoprof, the biggest cosmetics trade show. I also traveled to Atlanta for an American Chemical Society conference, and I attended a cosmetic-chemistry workshop in NYC [through Dickinson’s Professional Development Fund]. Other places include Key West, Fla.; Washington, D.C.; North Carolina; Virginia; and New Hampshire. There are still so many places I want to visit in the U.S.
About my internship:
I did summer research in biological chemistry at the University of Warwick, U.K., with Professor Tim Bugg, and am currently doing student-faculty research on campus with Professor Wilkins. I have also job-shadowed at Vince Spinnato ’97’s cosmetics company, Turnkey Beauty, and have volunteered at the College Farm, working alongside Matt Steiman on sustainable-energy projects. I have learned so many things that I can’t even list them all. But the most important thing that I learned is that nobody wants to see you fail. Most people want to help you learn, and reaching out to people to learn from them will always return in your favor.
About my research:
My current research is examining the column density of singly deuterated methanol in the Orion KL nebula. I analyze data sets from the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (ALMA), which would be pipeline through Python code to generate contour maps of chemical parameters of methanol. I gained a lot of coding, notetaking and time management skills that are important for research. Learning about space is difficult but so incredibly fascinating. The pursuit of knowledge and the endless curiosity to uncover the mysteries of the universe is so profoundly human I can’t help but feel a bit emotional as I explain it. I am very proud of my work.
Post-Dickinson plans:
I will be pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at Rutgers-Newark.
Proudest accomplishment so far:
My most recent and proudest accomplishment is definitely having a paper published and later presenting my research at the biggest chemistry convention in the U.S., the 2026 American Chemical Society meeting.
Most important thing I’ve learned so far:
Life isn’t easy, but the right people make it worth it.
Best advice for younger students:
You will find understanding in the unlikeliest of places—never stop reaching out to people.
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Published April 28, 2026