Chris Alvaro ‘10

"Why biochemistry? I realized early in my college career that my interests lie in many areas of science and I was having trouble choosing just one concentration. When I learned about biochemistry, I realized I had the opportunity to explore several disciplines yet still be under a central umbrella.

How are cells truly functioning? What interactions are occurring at the molecular level? How can a change in structure develop into a disease? These questions began to fascinate me and biochemistry is my catalyst in exploring the answers. I am able to make connections between all of my courses and learn how to apply these various skills into research.

My biochemistry courses have also given me the confidence and experience to participate in research and I am currently working in Dr. Wightman’s molecular genetics lab studying nuclear hormone receptors in Caenorhabditis elegans.  After Muhlenberg I plan on pursuing a MD/PhD possibly in the field of oncology. I believe that my experience in biochemistry will give me an advantage in future research and greatly prepare me to tackle the challenges I have yet to face."

Kaitlin Reilly ‘08

"I decided to pursue the interdisciplinary major Biochemistry because of the many advantages the major presented to me. The courses required for a Biochemistry major not only help me to better understand the metabolic processes of the human body, but also are teaching me how to use modern biochemical laboratory techniques to study some of those processes. Though my future plans involve applying to medical school, I am very interested in doing research during my undergraduate studies. Thus far, I have worked on two different projects with Dr. Colabroy (Chemistry Department): tyrosine hydroxylase overexpression and the role of the LmbF enzyme in the Lincomycin biosynthetic pathway. The various research techniques taught throughout the biochemistry major not only teach key procedures needed for careers in almost any area of research, but they also show prospective graduate and medical schools that you can grasp difficult and elaborate procedures and concepts. These attributes, along with my mutual fascination for biology and chemistry led me to declare a Biochemistry Major."

John Santa Maria '08
Biochemistry & Math double major

"At first, majoring in biochemistry seemed only a natural course for someone, like me, interested in the common ground between chemistry and biology. Now that I have begun to learn about the intricacies of some of life’s most profound processes at the molecular level, I have developed a true respect and ardor for the discipline.  To me, biochemistry represents a quest for greater understanding and mechanistic explanation of how life works. Although I have not yet decided about the details of my graduate studies, my experiences and education at Muhlenberg have provided me with great opportunities for exploring careers and possible research topics in biochemistry. These include:

• Summer research with Dr. Hark (Dept. of Biology) on transcription regulation in Arabidopsis thaliana
  
• Research with Dr. Colabroy  (Dept. of Chemistry) on the enzymology of the lincomycin biosynthetic pathway
  
• A summer REU experience at University of Maryland, Baltimore County, exploring molecular biology techniques used in the study of ribosomal proteins"
• A summer REU at the National Institutes of Health, investigating prion formation and structure using biochemical techniques as well as transmission electron microscopy

John was awarded a Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship in 2006 in recognition of his potential for a productive career in the sciences.

Jacob Rubin '07

Now attending vet school at Ohio State University

"I choose biochemistry because of the diversity that the major provided to me.  I was unable to decide between biology and chemistry and therefore biochemistry was a perfect fit.  My classes here at Muhlenberg have given me the knowledge and the self confidence to work on independent research projects.  I was given the chance to do research in the Chemistry Department looking at the applications of tetradentate ligands with a focus on dearomatization. It wasn't until I got into research that I realized so many processes work together naturally.

It is with the knowledge imparted by Dr. Hark and Dr. Colabroy that I feel I have learned a great deal from the Biochemistry program. I believe with my biochemistry learned at Muhlenberg I have become a better student of the sciences.  Biochemistry is the link between the natural sciences and helps to explain some of the processes that neither could explain individually."

Matt Jakubik '06
Biochemistry and Russian
studies double major

Now a Ph.D. student in biological chemistry and molecular pharmacology at Harvard University

“I chose to major in biochemistry for a few reasons. First, the fact that a single cell is able to effectively and efficiently carry out thousands of chemical reactions on a daily basis in order to sustain life simple amazes me. However, what I find even more intriguing is that, occasionally, these reactions go awry and lead to a variety of maladies, including cancer. Thus, after realizing that I’d like to pursue a career in cancer pharmacology and drug discovery, I decided that I needed to major in a discipline that would elucidate some of the chemical reactions within cells that I would eventually be studying…

My classes have imparted knowledge of biochemical systems and chemical reactions that I have been able to apply to independent research in the areas of physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, and biochemistry both at Muhlenberg and at an internship at Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development…Ultimately, my biochemistry major has turned out to be a real asset in that it allowed me to experience the true nature of scientific research early on, permitting me to determine that research is the area into which I’d to enter.”

Angela Cenci '05
Now attending the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine

"I chose to major in biochemistry because of my interests in both chemistry and biology, but most specifically the interface between the two fields. I loved the challenge of the content taught in biochemistry courses and its ability to answer specific problems on the most molecular level. Although I was quite sure of the direction of my interests, I was unsure where these interests would lead me after Muhlenberg. Because of this uncertainty, I participated in a variety of internships and research programs during my college career."

These experiences included:

• Summer internship in the Quality Control Laboratory at The Coca-Cola Bottling Company in Bethlehem, PA.
• Participant in the summer research program at Muhlenberg College, working under the supervision of an inorganic chemistry professor for one summer and a molecular biologist/geneticist the following summer.
• Internship at the dental clinic of Sacred Heart Hospital in Allentown, PA.

“…I discovered that my true passion lies in health care. I fell in love with the dental profession and decided to apply to dental school…

My various experiences as a biochemistry major at Muhlenberg prepared me to make an informed decision about my ultimate career path. I was able to expose myself to a variety of professions in the scientific field and was able to discover my ultimate professional goal. I was able to attain {this goal} with the help of many faculty and staff at Muhlenberg who graciously spent their time discussing my own interests, strengths, and options with me.”