What inspired you to pursue your current field of study/research?
I had a great AP Chemistry teacher in high school who inspired me to study chemistry in general when I got to Northeastern. Once I took my first organic chemistry class, I knew I wanted to specifically do organic chemistry for my co-ops and research. I really enjoyed the critical thinking and problem solving involved in the discipline, and I found the real-world applications interesting.
Have you participated in any co-op or study-abroad programs? How was that experience?
Yes! I have done two co-ops, one as an oligonucleotide chemist at Tessera Therapeutics and one as a medicinal chemist at Blueprint Medicines. Currently, I am working part-time at Blueprint and completing my capstone project there. I also did N.U.in Ireland in my first semester and participated in a Dialogue of Civilizations in Taiwan studying Chinese art and architecture.
What kind of extracurricular activities are you involved in?
I have been a member of NUSAACS for the past three years, and I also was a member of the Northeastern Electric Racing club for two years, serving as their Head of Operations for a semester. I am also a member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, serving as their SVP chair for a year.
What has been the highlight of your experience in COS so far?
The highlight of my COS experience has been all of the people I have had the chance to meet. I have cultivated so many friendships with people I have been in class with, and I have been able to interact with a lot of teaching assistants and professors who make the COS experience at NU so special.
Have you had any professors or mentors who really made an impact on you?
Professor David Budil has really made an impact on me, as he has taught three of my classes: Thermodynamics, Quantum Chemistry, and Senior Research Capstone. He also wrote me a letter of recommendation for my graduate school applications. Along with him, Professors Oyinda Oyelaran and Brian Fulton, who taught my Organic Chemistry 2 and 3 classes respectively, really inspired me to be excited and curious about all things organic chemistry.
Where do you see your field of study/research taking you?
After graduation, I plan on getting my PhD in organic chemistry. After that, I am not so sure as to what I want to do yet, but at some point, I would love to work in academia. I really want to spread my enthusiasm and curiosity about chemistry to others.
Colby Geer ’25, Chemistry
What kind of impact do you hope to make after you leave Northeastern?
I hope to be able to meaningfully contribute to the field of chemistry. I want to take everything I have learned at Northeastern and use it for the overall advancement of scientific knowledge.
What advice would you give students interested in pursuing a degree in science?
Make sure you are passionate about the subject you decide to study. If you are passionate and curious, then learning will be more enjoyable and will make your college experience infinitely better.
