Grad School Bound
Students from the Cortland Chemistry department have gone on to graduate programs including: Cornell University, Columbia University, Yale University, University of Delaware, Michigan State University, Stony Brook University, Indiana University, the UC Santa Cruz, University of Vermont, and University of Wisconsin.
“Each day, I draw on the foundational knowledge and skills I developed through my chemistry classes and hands-on lab experience—creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking—to tackle new challenges in my career.”
-Tyler Potter ’14, Chemistry
Currently: Process Chemist at Pfizer in the Chemical Research and Development group, following graduating from Yale with a PhD in Organic Chemistry
“The time I spent in the chemistry department and specifically doing research with Dr. Hicks helped me become the scientist and person I am today. The chemistry department became another home for me and I could not be more appreciative of how supportive and caring all of the faculty and fellow students were.”
-Zachary Turlington ’23, Biochemistry
Currently: Starting PhD at Columbia University
“My time in the Biochemistry program at SUNY Cortland gave me the confidence to pursue a career in scientific research and inspired me to work toward becoming a research professor at an R1 institution. The kindness, patience, and belief my professors showed me helped me find my direction. Their mentorship pushed me to think critically, follow big scientific questions, and discover my passion for both teaching and research. I owe so much of my success to the SUNY Cortland Chemistry Department, whose faculty set the standard for the kind of professor I hope to be one day.”
-Tariq Hussain '18, Biochemistry
Currently: Preparing to graduate with Biochemistry PhD from Zlotnick lab at Indiana University
Into the Workforce
A degree from Cortland chemistry can prepare you for a variety of careers, including in labs doing research or quality control, in sales or marketing, in the health field, in the classroom, or in government.
“The act of solving the problem is more important than the correct answer.”
-Maddy Berry '20, Chemistry
Currently: Senior Associate Scientist in the Oncology Medical Chemistry Department at Pfizer
“The SUNY Cortland chemistry department helped set me up for success after graduation by helping me build my resume with experiences such as student research with Dr. Green and Dr. Phelan. The variety of classes I took in undergrad provided me with many transferable skills into my current field of work.”
-Fabiola Adorno Aguila ’23, Biochemistry
Currently: Pharmacy technician, completing a National Pharmacy Technician Certification Program, attending Erie Community College to complete the biotechnology certificate / associates degree
At the Front of the Classroom
Cortland is well-known for training teachers, with many students passing their passion for chemistry on to the next generation of students. The Chemistry department offers an Adolescence Education: Chemistry major which includes courses in education and student teaching experiences in addition to extensive chemistry coursework.
“The classes, research and experiences at Cortland fostered my love of chemistry, which I now share with my students every day. I strive to give my own students a snippet of the exemplary teaching I experienced during my time with the Cortland Chemistry Department.”
-Sean Zupko '25, Adolescence Education: Chemistry 7-12, and Chemistry
Currently: Teaching High School Chemistry and Physics at Chester Academy