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Alumni Spotlights

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.

Headshot of Cortland Alum Tyler Potter

“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

Cortland alum Zachary Turlington presenting Biochemistry research

“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


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.

Cortland alum Maddy Berry presenting research

“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

Cortland alum Fabiola Adorno Aguila working in a lab

“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