51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ

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April 2026

Chemistry alum using research training in startup role 

Jessica Kenneson always knew she wanted to work in scientific research, even before she pursued her undergraduate degree. Her journey from 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ to her current role has been a progression of growing her skills, widening her knowledge base and learning more about what really moves her.

Today, she’s enjoying being the principal scientist for Poo Poof, Inc., an environmental start-up

company aimed at developing a portable spray to break down dog feces without chemicals harming the ground or water supply.

“What I really love is that we are focused on a solution to a problem, to make a difference,” said Kenneson, a 2015 honors program graduate of 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ in chemistry. “And I realized, that's the part I love most about science. I love discovering things and being creative in the scientific space, but also being able to say, ‘okay, I may not have the right part for the piece, but I know what I need for the job. I have these pieces that I can put together and get there until I have the money to get the big thing.’”

A native of Colorado, Kenneson said she had a longtime love for research already when she came to 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ for a preview event. Seeing others like her who were doing that type of work already as part of 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ’s Welch Chemistry Research Program solidified her decision to become a Pioneer.

“I think being a scientist was something that really interested me, but I think I felt unable to embark on that career path until I saw students who were certainly intelligent and hardworking but actually looked like me,” she recalled. “I saw people doing research and realized that could be me. I think that was probably the Holy Spirit also, encouraging me that he was calling me to this. And 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ was where I wanted to do it.”

Jessica said she loved the idea of being able to both assist in some of the ongoing research projects

in the School of Mathematics and Sciences as well as start her own new project. She loved the problem-solving aspect of research, noting “it was really great to be able to say ‘I have a question’ and my advisor and I can make a new project and figure out how to tackle it.”

After her 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ experience where Jessica said she gained valuable skills and a knowledge base as well as friends, she continued her study at Auburn University, earning her doctoral degree in chemistry. She then followed that experience with a post-doctoral fellowship at Yale University, focusing more on pharmacology.

“I think drug-related research was my target for much of my early career. I went into graduate school studying things that were tangentially related to drug research or disease research,” she recalled. “For my postdoc, I did some structural and biochemical characterization of disease proteins and those things. Then I realized that while it’s interesting and does impact people, it just didn’t feel right for me.”

Jessica also felt that she was done with academia for a while, tiring of the heavy workload and challenging environment. She jumped into the corporate world and moved to Boston, taking on a quality control role in the industry. And while she admits it was good experience, it just wasn’t as fulfilling work.

While in that role, two women she met while in Connecticut were working on a solution to the dog

poo problem on lawns and public spaces, and they recruited Jessica to assist them. They began talking over the problem and brainstorming about a year ago, then the pair incorporated Poo Poof in July 2025. After a few months of research in her kitchen – admittedly a less than perfect scenario – Jessica and the team finally got into the lab and began working full-time on product research in October.

While the founders still live in New Haven, Jessica works in the rented space at Boston’s Greentown Labs, an incubator space for scientific start-ups that have both dedicated private space and shared laboratory spaces that encourage collaboration and think tank models to solve problems. In all this, Jessica found her home.

“I really enjoy being in a start-up. We took a problem that we wanted to solve and think it’s important for public health, sustainability and the health of communities. And we’re working toward that solution,” Jessica said. “And I think working with a small, tight-knit team where everyone's wearing multiple hats and people are working really hard and closely together is something I really resonate with.

“I love that space. We get to work in an environment where we're with a bunch of other startups doing the same thing which is really fun too, because while we're all small teams, it’s like we're one big team because we're all climate-focused startups. And so there's a lot of similarities and it’s just wonderful to be a part of this and to bump elbows with and learn from their experience.”

In all of this, Jessica recalls her early years at 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ, studying with Dr. Robert Moore and gaining great experience in independent research with faculty guidance. She said that experience of “letting

me flounder enough but not too much to become hopeless” was good training for the rigors of graduate school and gaining expertise in the field. Her work with the 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ Honors Program, specifically writing and presenting a thesis, was also great preparation for those same projects required of graduate school on a larger scale.

“Maybe other people wouldn't need that to be able to do well in graduate school, but it really helped me feel more confident going into graduate school. And I think that it contributed to how I showed up,” she said.

Working at Poo Poof, she said, has also drawn out some entrepreneurial skills like resourcefulness, determination and other aspects of academic pursuit that have proven helpful in the startup space. She’s also come to love the smaller organization that requires multitasking regularly and less strict routine. Both have come in handy as she’s been a key player in the company’s progress and enjoys working her scientific mind day in and out.

“It’s been a challenge, and a fun one,” she said.

When she’s not working, Jessica enjoys her local church, quilting, book clubs and being a surrogate aunt to some local children. She loves exploring the historical aspects of the Boston area and the ocean.

  

Devotional: At the Cross: Where Love Was Proven

Scripture Focus:
Isaiah 53:5 — “But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.”

 

Devotional Thought:

The crucifixion of Jesus is not just a moment in history—it is the defining moment of our faith. It is where justice and mercy met, where sacrifice overcame sin, and where love was displayed in its purest form.

When we picture the cross, it’s easy to focus on the physical suffering—nails, thorns, and the weight of the moment. But even deeper is the spiritual reality: Jesus willingly took on the weight of our sin, our failures, and our brokenness. The cross was not an accident; it was a mission. It was not defeat; it was victory.

Jesus didn’t just die for us—He died in place of us.

That truth changes everything.

 

 

 Understanding the Cross:

1. The Cross Reveals God’s Love
   Romans 5:8 reminds us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. The cross is not a response to our goodness, but to our need. It is unconditional love on full display.
2. The Cross Deals with Sin
   Sin separates us from God, but the crucifixion bridges that gap. Jesus paid a debt we could never pay, offering forgiveness and restoration.
3. The Cross Calls for a Response
   It is not just something to admire—it is something to accept, believe, and live by. The cross invites us into a transformed life.

 

 

Living It Out Daily:

As alumni, professionals, parents, leaders, and servants in our communities, the cross is meant to shape how we live every day:

• Walk in Humility:
  The cross reminds us that we are saved by grace, not by our own achievements. This keeps us grounded and dependent on God.
• Extend Forgiveness:
  Because we have been forgiven much, we are called to forgive others—even when it’s difficult.
• Live Sacrificially:
  Jesus gave everything. We are called to serve others selflessly, putting love into action in our homes, workplaces, and communities.
• Carry Hope:
  The cross was not the end of the story—resurrection followed. Even in hardship, we carry hope because of what Jesus accomplished.

 

Reflection Questions:

• What does the cross personally mean to me today—not just in belief, but in practice?
• Is there someone I need to forgive as a reflection of Christ’s sacrifice?
• In what areas of my life is God calling me to live more sacrificially?

 

In the mix

How Prayer Keeps Alumni Connected to Today’s Students

At 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ Baptist University, being an alumnus doesn’t mean your story with the university has ended—it means your impact is still unfolding. While careers grow, families expand, and life moves forward, there is one powerful way you can remain actively “in the mix” with our current students: through intentional spiritual presence, especially prayer.

 

 

A Connection That Goes Beyond Distance

You may be miles away from campus, but prayer collapses distance. When you pray for students walking the same paths you once did, sitting in the same classrooms, and facing similar challenges, you become spiritually present in their journey.

Prayer is not passive—it is participation.

Scripture reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to “pray without ceasing.” This call isn’t limited by geography or season of life. As alumni, you carry a unique understanding of what students experience—the academic pressures, spiritual growth, friendships, and life decisions that shape their future. Your prayers are deeply informed and incredibly impactful.

 

 

Why Your Prayers Matter

Current students are navigating a world that is fast-paced, often uncertain, and filled with competing voices. Your prayers can:

• Strengthen their faith during moments of doubt
• Provide peace in times of stress and anxiety
• Encourage perseverance when challenges feel overwhelming
• Cover their decisions as they seek God’s direction for their future

In many ways, your prayers become a quiet but powerful mentorship—one that lifts students up even when they may never know your name.

Being Present Without Being Seen

Not every alumnus can return to campus regularly, attend events, or mentor in person—and that’s okay. Spiritual presence is just as meaningful.

Think of prayer as standing in the gap.

When you take time to pray for:

• Students preparing for exams
• Student-athletes balancing competition and academics
• Those struggling with loneliness or identity
• Seniors stepping into the unknown after graduation

—you are actively investing in the next generation of Pioneers.

Practical Ways to Stay Spiritually Engaged

If you’re wondering how to make this part of your routine, here are a few simple ways:

Set a weekly reminder to pray specifically for 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ students

Pray Scripture over them, such as Philippians 4:6-7 for peace or Proverbs 3:5-6 for guidance

Follow university updates to stay informed on current events and needs

Pray during key seasons, like finals week, move-in, or graduation

Even a few intentional minutes each week can make a lasting difference.

A Legacy That Lives On

Your legacy at 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ isn’t just what you accomplished while you were a student—it’s how you continue to invest after you’ve left campus. Prayer allows you to remain part of the mission, shaping lives and futures in ways that go far beyond what is visible.

As alumni, you are still part of the 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ family. And through prayer, you are still present in the classrooms, residence halls, and chapel services—lifting up students who are becoming who God has called them to be.

Stay connected. Stay invested. Stay in the mix.

Because sometimes, the most powerful presence is the one that is unseen—but deeply felt.

 

 

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