Behind the Test Tube: Q&A

Eric Schreiber—Graduate Student

Where is home/where did you grow up?

I am from New Jersey—the greatest state and the best place to get pizza and bagels!!

Why did you choose chemistry as a career?

My high school chemistry teacher really got me hooked on chemistry, ultimately inspiring me to major in chemistry in college. My interest was solidified during my time at The College of New Jersey, particularly as I got involved with research (shout out to the O’Connor Lab!!).

Proudest accomplishment while at the University of Rochester?

Not letting science struggles get me down too much; life’s too short to take it all too seriously!

A Rochester must?

Finger Lakes wineries; an afternoon at Lake Ontario.

Feast/meal of the times? Details, please!

Any cut of beef from Black and Blue, preferably a ribeye, cooked medium and finished with truffle butter. Side of mac and cheese and paired with a dry rosé. If there is any room left, I like to have some cheesecake and cappuccino for dessert. Mmmm….

An inspiring book/movie /show? We are really curious as to why!

Coco really struck me; it’s so important to pass stories down from those who came before us and cherish the times we have with our elders.

A holiday that rocks? Care to tell us why?

Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. I love spending time with my family; plus a lazy winter day in pajamas with good food and lots of love cannot be beat.

Care to share about a special tradition in your family/town/country?

When the clock strikes midnight on New Years, my family would run outside with pots and pans and would make a whole lot of noise! It caught on in the neighborhood, and other houses join us every year!

Fun fact or quote:

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

Ask me about…

The Jonas Brothers (fellow Jersey Boys)!

_{The goal of this initiative is to highlight the diversity of backgrounds and perspectives in the Department of Chemistry and help our community develop stronger connections and synergies. You can think of these spotlights as the beginning of a conversation that we very much hope you will continue in the corridors of Hutch and beyond.}

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