Undergraduate Opportunities
Congratulations to the seniors in our Undergraduate Program! Here is what's next for some in the Class of 2020:
Abbey
Major: Chemistry
After Purdue: Ph.D in Organic Chemistry, University of Toledo
“From working in Professor Wei’s lab to studying abroad in London, I was able to meet so many wonderful people during my years at Purdue that helped me develop my own sense of worth and motivation. Those connections and friendships have been so rewarding.”
Alexander
Majors: ACS Biochemistry, Neurobiology & Physiology
Minor: Management
After Purdue: Masters in Health Sciences & Technology at ETH Zürich in Switzerland
“Your time here is what you make of it. If you want to succeeded, Purdue can give you all the tools you need to excel. But it is up to you to use them.”
Alyssa
Major: Biochemistry
Minor: Biological Sciences
After Purdue: Medical School, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University
“I have loved my job as a resident assistant on campus. And my experience as a science ambassador was rewarding, helping prospective students learn about chemistry and what our department has to offer. I have been able to explore all my passions at Purdue and prepare for medical school.”
Berkley
Major: Chemistry
Minors: Biological Sciences, Animal Science
After Purdue: DVM at Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine
“I always tell people that Purdue is a big school that feels like a small school. The opportunities, the people, and the environment make it exciting to be a part of the Purdue family.”
Brianna
Major: Chemistry
Minor: Earth Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences
After Purdue: Research Chemist Intern, E. & J. Gallo Winery, Modesto
“As a College of Science student ambassador, I’ve met with many prospective students and their families to share my experiences here. I tell them that Purdue has definitely given me the tools to succeed in the future.”
Bridgette
Major: Chemistry
Minor: Biotechnology
After Purdue: Graduate School, Biotechnology
“I really care about giving back and making a difference in the world, big or small. Having lost a parent to a rare brain disease, my life goal is working on finding cures and treatments for rare diseases.”
Chenghao
Majors: Chemistry, Philosophy, Pre-Pharmacy
After Purdue: Pharm.D., UCSF
“My fellow Boilermakers have been so supportive. I feel embraced when I needed help and that made me share when others need it. I am the best of who I am because of you. Ever grateful, ever true.”
Colleen
Major: Biochemistry
Minor: Spanish
After Purdue: Immunology and Immunotoxicology Department, Covance
“I studied abroad in Seville, Spain for a whole semester to work on my Spanish minor. I lived with a host family, took classes in a different language, and was able to travel to many other countries.”
D’Angelo Peters
Major: ACS Chemistry
After Purdue: Masters in Science Education with the goal of becoming a high school Chemistry teacher
“I was able to research in Dr. Julia Laskin’s lab which turned out to be a huge help for me -- to figure out what exactly I wanted for my future and the steps I wanted to take in understanding more about graduate life and research in general.”
Devon
Major: Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
After Purdue: Industry Experience
“My summer internship with the USDA Agricultural Research Center on campus was a great lab experience during my college career. I love what I'm doing and couldn't see myself anywhere else.”
Elizabeth
Major: ACS Biochemistry
Minor: Biological Sciences
After Purdue: Ph.D. student in Molecular and Cellular Biology at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
“My most rewarding experience at Purdue was working in Professor Chopra's research lab since my second semester. This experience was instrumental in my development as a scientist.”
Emily
Major: Biochemistry
Minor: Biological Sciences
After Purdue: PhD in Cancer Biology, University of Michigan
“I really believe I was supposed to be here at Purdue and not some other university. I've met my best friends here, and my degree will enable me to get the great opportunity of going to graduate school. I'm very happy I chose Purdue for my undergraduate degree.”
Grace
Major: ACS Chemistry
Minor: Spanish
After Purdue: Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin — Madison
“I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to do undergraduate research in Professor Cooks' group. Purdue is an extraordinary place to learn. Chemistry can be a difficult subject, but no student should feel like they aren’t capable or equipped enough to understand it.”
Jakob
Major: ACS Chemistry
Minor: Fermentation Sciences
After Purdue: Flavor chemist in food and beverage industry
“Purdue has given me a lot of opportunities, from three internships with flavor companies to research in the Hops Analysis Lab. Be sure to take advantage of these experiences and don't be afraid to challenge and better yourself.”
Jana
Major: ACS Chemistry
Minor: History
After Purdue: Master of Library and Information Science
“Even though Purdue is a large school, being a part of clubs and organizations makes it feel smaller. There are professors that will most definitely leave a long-lasting positive impact on their students. There is always someone in your corner helping you pursue your dreams.”
Jaycie
Major: ACS Chemistry
After Purdue: Program Leader at Booster Inc.
“Ever since I was a little kid I dreamed of coming Purdue I’m the 3rd generation in my family to graduate from the College of Science. The experience I’ve had here is unlike any other and I would not have changed it for anything!”
Katie
Major: Chemistry
Minors: Dance and Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Science
After Purdue: M.S. Hydrogeology at University of California, Santa Barbara
“I was able to conduct research in the EAPS department with Professor Frisbee while being a chemistry student. This multidisciplinary research environment ultimately shaped my degree objective for grad school. And my minor in the Dance Division shaped my identity in the way I think about the world and solidified my passion for this art form.”
Kent
Major: ACS Chemistry
Minor: Physics
After Purdue: Ph.D. Analytical Chemistry, Purdue
“My work in Professor Cooks' lab and in his Analytical II course influenced my transition to graduate school. I originally planned to attend medical school, but was drawn to the research discovery of the unique ways instruments are designed to manipulate and analyze.”
Kevin
Major: Chemistry
Minor: Materials Science and Engineering
After Purdue: Ph.D. in Industrial and Physical Pharmacy, Purdue University
“My internship at Merck tasked me with identifying the mechanism behind a manufacturing defect in an anti-HIV drug. It was rewarding to make a contribution to a product that has made a real impact on global health. Chemistry is such a powerful tool.”
Kylie
Major: ACS Chemistry
Minors: Spanish, Organizational Leadership
After Purdue: Area Manager, Amazon
“I’ve had the opportunity to conduct pharmaceutical research in Professor Low’s lab, where my graduate student mentor played an important role in my development as a chemist. I am very proud to be a sister of Phi Sigma Rho, a sorority specifically for women in STEM fields. My sisters made very significant impacts on my college career, and I expect they will continue to shape my life post-graduation as well.”
Lindsey
Major: ACS Biochemistry
After Purdue: Eli Lilly
“My summer internship at Eli Lilly was a rewarding experience. Although it was tough work, I was really proud that my efforts paid off as I start working there once I graduate.”
Liz
Major: Biochemistry
Minors: French, Psychology, and Biological Sciences
After Purdue: Pharmaceutical R&D
“I have been lucky enough to participate in research in the Shah group for all four years of my college career, which has given me some invaluable and enjoyable hands-on experience with biochemistry research.”
Madison
Major: Biochemistry and Classical Studies
Minor: Forensic Sciences
After Purdue: Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry at Texas A&M
“The opportunity to work in Professor Cooks’ research group enlightened my view of chemistry and its applications and gave me a sense of clarity and purpose in my decision to become a career scientist.”
Meghan
Major: ACS Biochemistry
Minors: Spanish, Forensic Sciences, Biological Sciences
After Purdue: IU School of Medicine
“I am so incredibly thankful for the immense amount of support that I have received from my academic advisor, my professors, my colleagues, and fellow students. Purdue has provided me with so many opportunities to grow as a leader, role model, professional, scientist, and friend. I will forever be truly proud to be a BoilerMaker!”
Natalie
Major: ACS Chemistry
Minor: Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
After Purdue: Chemical Oceanographer in the marine science field
“Working in Professor Wilker’s lab and a summer abroad program launched my pursuit of chemical oceanography. Studying aboard a Sea Semester vessel was an impactful experience where I conducted and presented my oceanography research, and I learned to sail!”
Peter
Major: Biochemistry
Minor: Biological Sciences
After Purdue: University of Michigan School of Dentistry
“It’s amazing how much ground-breaking research is being done at Purdue. A most rewarding experience I had was participating in the Low Lab where I was able to work on cancer research and get experimental data that one day will help save lives.”
Peter
Major: Chemistry
Certificates: Entrepreneurship & Innovation and Learning Beyond the Classroom
After Purdue: Analyst for start-up, CARBON Group Global
“Purdue is an experience unlike any other. From presenting my research at workshops to learning entrepreneurship, the opportunities and the education I’ve received here are outstanding, as I begin my career in sustainability and renewable energy.”
Phillip
Majors: Actuarial Science, Applied Statistics, and Chemistry
Minor: Management
After Purdue: Associate Actuary in retirement and wealth for a consulting company called Buck in Atlanta
“Studying abroad in Iceland was a rewarding experience. I was fascinated to learn about how Iceland’s built its economy around its geography like utilizing Earth’s hot spots for heating and water for example. This trip really opened my eyes about the impact of global warming and climate change — an area I want to explore in the future.”
Rachel
Major: Biochemistry
Certificate: Entrepreneurship
After Purdue: Graduate Research Assistant in the Molecular Medicine Program at the Lerner Research Institute
“I had wonderful mentors in Professor Das’ research group who encouraged me to approach research problems critically. As a result, I've grown as a scientist and been able to apply my classroom knowledge to solve real-world problems. Purdue has encouraged me to pursue opportunities that I never would have otherwise considered.”
Sarah Ashley
Major: ACS Biochemistry
After Purdue: Drug discovery and development scientist at Eli Lilly and Company in Indianapolis.
“The most rewarding experience I have had at Purdue is participating in undergraduate research. I worked for both Dr. Tantama and Dr. Lyon, and they gave me the chance to work on some amazing projects which helped me grow a lot as a scientist.”
Shih
Major: Biochemistry
After Purdue: Technical support/manufacturing science engineer, Eli Lilly Suzhou
“I really care about how I can contribute in the pharmaceutical industry to help against the pandemic and improve the healthcare system for all people regardless of their gender identity, wealth, nationality, and ethnicity. I had an extraordinary experience at Purdue. It is a university dedicated to promoting diversity inclusion and academic development.”
Sidnie
Major: Chemistry
After Purdue: Scientist, Triclinic Labs in Lafayette, IN
“I have had a number of very rewarding experiences within the College of Science -- working with Dr. Schmidt and Dr. Simpson, being a member of Purdue Science Student Council, and a chemistry tutor. I care about teaching others and continuing to learn myself.”
Sneha
Major: ACS Chemistry
Minor: Biochemistry
After Purdue: Graduate school in environmental chemistry and green chemistry.
“Purdue was a college I never expected to go to, but decided it was for me the day I walked on campus for a tour. The experience here was great, and I think though the curriculum is more challenging than many other colleges, it definitely is able to push you to work your hardest.”
Yingxuan
Major: Chemistry, Entomology
After Purdue: Graduate School
“I gained invaluable research experience working in two different scientific labs - Professor Kenttämaa and Professor Gondhalekar (Entomology). Although their disciplines are in different departments, I learned that the core idea is discovering scientific results.”