GRADUATE (M.S./Ph. D.)

"...My education and training in chemistry at the University of the Pacific Graduate School has made me very competitive in the pharmaceutical industry. The Chemistry Department has imbued in me fundamentally solid skill sets in the latest chemical technologies and methodologies. They have enabled me to successfully function as a medicinal, process and manufacturing chemist, from synthesis and discovery of novel chemical entities at the bench top to cGMP production of active pharmaceutical ingredients for use in clinical trials at manufacturing plants. Since my graduation in 2002 I have made significant and invaluable contributions in drug development to the various companies that have employed me. All of my successes (materially and professionally) have been made possible by my training at the University of the Pacific Chemistry Department and Graduate School..."
Dr. P. Phiasivongsa (Senior Manager, Chemical Development Proteolix, Inc.)(graduated 2002)

"...Studying chemistry at Pacific was a highly rewarding experience for me. I enjoyed the close interaction with faculty and fellow graduate students, the great location of the campus and the opportunities and resources available in Northern California. The sharing of resources, physical and philosophical, is a great strength of Chemistry Department of University of the Pacific. As an analytical chemistry student, I was provided with the opportunity of working on a wide range of MS instruments and other analytical instruments like HPLC, NMR and IR..."
Dr. H. Yu (Research Support Specialist, Proteomic Resources Center, The Rockefeller University, NY)(graduated 2006)

"...I have spent my four years of undergraduate studies at Pacific and because of my experiences here I decided to stay for graduate school studies in Chemistry. With the connections I have made with my professors and the research opportunities I have been exposed to it was an easy decision to continue my education at Pacific, even though in high school I never thought I would attempt a Ph.D..."
M. Curtis (current student)

UNDERGRADUATE (B. S.)

"...I just finished my second semester of pharmacy school...courses and associated course loads are very representative of what I have faced in pharmacy school, so I have at no point felt overwhelmed by pharmacy school..."
Robert Eastin (current student)

"...My experience as a Biochemistry student at the University of the Pacific has influenced my life tremendously. As a freshman, I knew I wanted a career in science, but had not yet decided on which field. My interactions with the chemistry professors have helped influence my choice to pursue a career in pharmaceutical research. I gained the interest in research while doing undergraduate research at the Chemistry Department. As a part of my undergraduate education I have been taking part in biochemical research as well as organic synthesis. This research involves the synthesis and testing of new glycosidase inhibitors, which can potentially be used to synthesize future drugs against cancers, diabetes and other diseases. I have learned how to utilize current instrumental methods such as NMR and Mass Spectrometry. The research experience is very important because of my aspirations of becoming an industrial pharmacist and pharmaceutical researcher."
Nikmala Tan (graduated 2008)

"...My undergraduate experience at Pacific has both amply prepared and inspired me to complete a graduate program in Chemistry. I received
offers to study Chemistry in several renowned Ph.D. programs, upon acceptance each referring to the extensive and unique research experience
I have garnered in Physical Chemistry, Theoretical Chemistry, and Molecular Biology. Moreover, these experiences have provided a comfortable confidence while in the laboratory that will prove invaluable in the completion of my future research degree..."
Logan Ahlstrom (graduated 2008)

"...I was not really a fan of atoms and molecules when I finished my high school chemistry class because everything seemed so abstract and vague until I became an American Chemical Society (ACS) Project SEED Student for two summers at the University of the Pacific and worked with professors who are very intelligent and enthusiastic about what they do. It was during my Project SEED experience when everything about atoms and molecules became interesting. I saw atomic and molecular motions via computer animations. I was able to synthesize compounds and purify them through distillation and other methods. I loved the experience and wanted to repeat it, and I thought to myself that I will only be able to do those things and work with the same professors if I go in the chemistry field and go to Pacific and I did! As biochemistry freshman major, I have not repeated those experiences yet, not just yet, but I'm getting there! =)..."
Chenee San Marcos (current student)

"...My experience in chemistry at the University of the Pacific was great! The Chemistry Department is like a small community: not only do students get to know one another, but the faculty also get to know the students, and vice versa. The community at UOP and my wonderful research experience there was a major influence in my decision to study undergraduate chemistry..."
Ekeoma Nwadibia (ACS-SEED student 2004/05, now UCLA chemistry)

"...Chemistry is a difficult subject. However, the professors at Pacific have been extremely supportive and helpful to students, which makes chemistry much more interesting and comprehensible. Don't forget to ask questions—they are always there for you..."
Karina Chan (current student)