Peter’s Journey Through an ABM in Chemistry

As a sophomore, Peter realized that he could complete his bachelor’s degree in chemistry in three years, but he could not apply to an MD-PhD program for another year. Rather than taking a gap year, as many MD-PhD students do, Peter chose to pursue a master’s degree in chemistry. NC State offers an accelerated bachelor’s-master’s program (ABM) where students can complete up to four graduate courses as electives during their undergraduate degree. Peter took his first graduate-level chemistry course as a sophomore, and he enjoyed the challenge of advanced coursework in Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology. Peter plans to defend his master’s thesis next spring and will be the first student in the department of chemistry to complete an ABM. His research with Dr. Jonathan Lindsey is focused on the delivery of copper radionuclides to solid tumors for imaging and therapeutic applications using porphyrin chelators.

Q&A

Why did you choose chemistry?

I chose chemistry because I’ve always been fascinated by the microscopic world, which makes up our everyday life. I was blessed to have an amazing chemistry curriculum in high school; I credit a lot of my passion for chemistry to having great teachers. I also had the opportunity to work for two summers in a research lab at UNC–Charlotte during high school, which opened my eyes to the world of chemistry research. NC State seemed like the perfect place to explore these interests further as a chemistry major. 

What are you involved in outside of chemistry?

Outside of chemistry, I’m the secretary of the Cross Country and Track Club at NC State and a member of the Triathlon Club. I really value the friendships I’ve built through club athletics and the opportunity to unwind from a stressful school day while getting in a good workout. I’m also a lifelong Wolfpack fan; I’ll never miss a home football game, and I enjoy going to both men’s and women’s basketball games. Finally, I’ve spent a lot of time volunteering at the UNC Rex Cancer Center and shadowing physicians across North Carolina as I prepare to apply to medical school. 

How do these activities complement your future plans in chemistry?

I am currently applying to MD-PhD programs to pursue a career as a physician-scientist. In the future, I want to apply chemistry at the interface of science and human health to bring new treatments from the lab to the clinic. My time in the research lab, volunteering at UNC Rex, and shadowing physicians has taught me so much about cancer medicine, and these experiences directly complement my career aspirations as an oncologist. 

What advice would you give today’s young scientists?

My advice for young scientists is to say yes to as many different adventures as you can. Join a lab, go to a club meeting with a friend, attend a football game, challenge yourself with a graduate course, pick up a new sport or instrument, and never get discouraged by failure. Approach everything with a positive attitude; there are so many great opportunities all around you. If you embrace a busy schedule, you’ll find that you can handle more than you think if you manage your time well and spend time doing things you enjoy. 

Fill in the blank:

When I’m not in Dabney, I’m swimming, biking, or running.

I love working out as a way to spend time with friends and unwind after a busy day.

My favorite place to eat is Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar.

I cannot go more than two weeks without a pimento cheese burger with a side of tator tots. 

In my lifetime, scientists will discover …

… how to use nuclear fusion to power our planet. I believe that our energy needs will eventually be met through a unified commitment to clean and sustainable nuclear energy using both fission and fusion reactors. 

In one word, my experience at NC State has been transformative.

NC State has shaped me in so many ways; I’ve met so many amazing friends and found my passion for medicine and research.