Christina Nicole Gustin
Christina Gustin is an Analytical Chemist based in Longmont, CO, with extensive experience in laboratory testing. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Minor Biology, from Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2021 and quickly began building hands-on expertise through roles in water quality, metals analysis, and environmental testing. Christina is skilled in using ICP-MS instrumentation, ELIMS/LIMS systems, and performing precise sample preparation and analysis across diverse sample types. Throughout her career, Christina has worked with wastewater, drinking water, soil, food samples, and electronic specialty gasses, consistently ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards. Her attention to detail, analytical problem-solving, and ability to apply scientific principles to real-world testing have made her a valuable contributor in every laboratory setting she has joined. Christina is passionate about advancing her career in analytical chemistry and applying her expertise to new challenges. She is committed to leveraging her knowledge and technical skills to support innovative solutions and meaningful scientific outcomes.
• CPR
• Metropolitan State University
• MENSA
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the years of hard work and dedication I’ve put into building my career. I also find that the women I have become is greatly influenced by how I was raised; I was blessed to have a loving and supportive family who always believed in me and prepared me for the hardships that have come my way. In addition to the abundance of passion I possess for science, every experience and challenge along the way has helped me develop the skills and knowledge I need to excel in my field.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to "go for it" no matter what challenges you face. Even if you feel like you don't meet the criteria or don't have the right background, you miss EVERY shot you DON'T take. So, take the shot!
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My biggest piece of advice for women entering the STEM field is don't be afraid to ask for help! Find out what resources are at your disposal. Find someone you look up to in a professional way and introduce yourself - see if they'll share some insight with you. There is always someone in the industry that has been through similar situations, and most of them are willing to share how they made it through. Sometimes having a few tips and tricks from people who know the ropes can be a game changer!
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in my field is having no clear path after graduation. Since I graduated during COVID and didn’t have the chance to complete a traditional internship, I had not really had the chance to explore what opportunities in my field existed. However, it presented an opportunity to be adaptable, learn independently, and seek out alternative ways to gain experience and grow professionally. I highly recommend taking some time before graduating to physically go to labs and see what things are like on a day-to-day basis to ensure you like it!
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values in my professional and personal life are honesty and integrity. As an Analytical Chemist, it's crucial to be unbiased and impartial and report true and accurate data. In some cases, people's lives could depend on the results that get reported. In regard to personal lives, I believe that being one's true and most authentic self is the best gift one can give.