Chemistry and Biochemistry

What is your current position?

I am currently a rising 2^nd year Ph.D student at Drexel University’s College of Medicine (DUCOM).

How did La Salle prepare you for your future?

La Salle gave me a very strong scientific foundation in terms of knowledge as well as technical skills that has been helpful in transitioning into my Ph.D program.

What skills or knowledge from La Salle has been most helpful/useful in your career/studies?

The broad topics of biology to chemistry have been extremely useful in my current studies of Neuroscience as it is very interdisciplinary. More beneficial to me was Physical chemistry and my research experience with Dr. Kramer as my Ph.D is focused on computational neuroscience and Dr. Kramer’s mentorship has prepared me for the long road ahead!

What is your favorite memory relating to the chemistry/biochemistry department?

My favorite memory would have to be during Christmas time and putting up the Chemis-tree along with other students from the La Salle Chemistry Club (Chymian Society)!

Any advice you would give to potential students?

I would suggest to start looking into research positions or opportunities early on, both at La Salle and through other institutions/programs (ACS Co-ops, NSF REU’s, etc.) during the summer to get experience in labs/jobs and prepare for any possible job opportunities after graduating or going into graduate school. The different experiences will be beneficial both to personal growth as a scientist and learning about what oneself enjoys working on!

What is your current position?

​I am currently an Analyst and an Instrument Operator for a CRO company located in Malvern, Pa. I work with LCMS/MS method validation for small molecules.

How did La Salle prepare you for your future?

I always felt like I was challenged at La Salle, working in a smaller setting, having to communicate, having to commute on the bus every day the first two years of my college career and having my own views challenged. Ultimately, La Salle taught me to be patient , which is something that helps in the field I am in. Especially with running experiments and writing reports, it can be time consuming and frustrating. I feel like I am a lot more patient, more understanding of the world around me as I meet new people at La Salle, and even connect with people better socially.

What skills or knowledge from La Salle has been most helpful/useful in your career/studies?

Teamwork and communications are a few of the most important skills that La Salle had to offer me. I still remember having to work together with my classmates on a multitude of assignments through Zoom classes, where our zoom audio would cut off or the reception was bad. It was difficult to communicate and learn on Zoom but I learned to adapt. I learned how to communicate better through Zoom (Zoom meetings are very common nowadays, especially in the working work) and in general.

What is your favorite memory relating to the chemistry/biochemistry department?

There are a lot of memories and experiences that are dear to me. Staying up with my fellow classmates at 3 in the morning working on a quantum homework during Zoom, being mesmerized in the inorganic lab as a yellow compound seemingly magically turns violet, trying to learn organic mechanisms through dancing, participating in Chymian Society events and even just laughing and bonding with my fellow classmates in class as we all try to figure out the material together.

Any advice you would give to potential students?

​Exploring your options. Shadow, talk to people outside of your interests, and grow. Seize opportunities when you get the chance. Sometimes you may even like something you didn’t even know you would like. Do not be afraid to ask for help, or even ask for mentorship. La Salle’s small class size makes it a lot easier to talk to my professors and other students about assignments, internships and references.