Though he”s a biologist by major, University of Idaho student researcher Lupe Gutierrez”s interest in organic chemistry was sparked by a carbon compounds class with professor Kristopher Waynant.
Gutierrez said he”s always loved the sciences, so when the option of doing research outside the classroom came up, he jumped on it.
“I just emailed him right away,” Gutierrez said. “Like, “I”ll do it.””
Gutierrez, 21, is originally from Santa Ana, California, and transferred to UI from Santiago Community College, drawn by scholarship opportunities and encouragement from his girlfriend.
He received a Hill Fellowship earlier this semester to support his next three semesters of work with Waynant with pesticides and pharmaceuticals. Gutierrez said his professor jokes they”re “making the drugs of tomorrow today.”
He said because the fellowship encompasses many disciplines, including biology, physics and chemistry, the application process was very competitive.
“You really have to know what you”re doing, why you”re doing it, and how it”s applicable,” he said.
Waynant and Gutierrez left before spring break to present their research at an American Chemical Society conference.
Gutierrez said his knowledge of organic chemistry is small, and he wants to learn more from the organic chemists here.
“You know how Chem 111 and Chem 112 are like whatever?” he said. “Organic chemistry puts it into action.”
Gutierrez said one of his favorite things about small colleges is how much professors seem to care about their students, and want them to succeed. Gutierrez said Waynant is good at trying to get his students recognized.
“He believes not only in you, but the research,” he said.
Waynant said Gutierrez is a great addition to the lab, and has quickly become one of his go-to students.
Waynant said that”s exactly the kind of dedication he looks for in students.
Gutierrez said one of the most fascinating things about organic chemistry the way he can integrate it back into his biology major. He commented that integrating the sciences together makes you much more of a well-rounded scientist.
Gutierrez plans to apply to graduate school after graduating from UI.
“Research is one of the biggest qualifications for graduate school,” he said, “it”s what they look at the most.”
He said he hopes to earn a doctorate degree in molecular biology with an emphasis in cancer research.
Carly Scott can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @Idaho_Scotty