Meet Arthur Harris, Chemistry Major

Arthur Harris ‘24 is completing his final semester at VCSU with a capstone project focusing on dioxins, a DNA disruptor known to cause cancer. Once he has presented his research, the chemistry major, who has been applying for jobs over the last several months, is ready to pursue one of his job opportunities while starting grad school.

Name: Arthur Harris
Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
Major and Graduation Year: Chemistry, 2024

How would you describe your role in the chemistry department?
I love being in the lab all the time. As a student worker, I’ve gotten the opportunity to set up the lab and produce some of the different chemicals that students use. To set up procedures, you have to understand a lot more about chemistry and lab safety procedures. It has given me more experience and perspective on what I’m doing in the classroom. Applying my learning that way really broadened and solidified my knowledge.

Have you gained any skills from your work experience that have helped you in class?
Yes, 100%. For example, I’ve learned a lot about the naming of a chemical compound. Hydrogen Chloride is considered a gas, but hydrochloric acid is an aqueous solution. Learning the different terminology and understanding the importance of the wording and why certain chemicals or procedures are that way really provides hands-on experience that can be applied in class and is valuable in a job setting as well.

Are you working on any big projects?
Yes, right now, we have an integrated capstone project, and the subject this year is dioxins. Dioxins are this multi-chloral compound that’s really toxic to the environment simply because it’s really hydrophobic. Because of that, it can get into our systems and since we’re hydrophilic beings, it’s harder to dissolve. Once inside, it disrupts your DNA, makes you sick, and produces cancer. We have done a lot of research on this.

What does the chemistry capstone project look like?
You have the option to do experiments on a topic, but of course, dioxins are really toxic, and we don’t have the materials or technology for those. The final product is a research paper and presentation. The project is in a group of four students, and we each get a portion to work on.

Do you plan on continuing your education and using these research skills in the future?
Yes, I have applied to multiple grad schools such as NDSU’s chemistry program, the University of Maryland Baltimore County’s grad program, and Colorado State School of Mine’s graduate program. I’ve also been applying to different job opportunities that take place in a lab, like lab techs or even sales representatives.

Any luck so far?
Yes, I’ve got a few callbacks from a lab tech position in Dallas, Texas. I have a few internship opportunities. One is to test radon, which is a very interesting subject.

What skills from your undergraduate experiences will you use in your career?
Many of the same skills will be used, but the research will be much more focused. Like with the internship I mentioned earlier, I’d only focus on radon and how it affects human life. A lot of lab skills carry over, like the ability to work in a lab setting and know the safety procedures. These skills are very important for lab and science professions.

Are there any professors or advisors who have been especially helpful to you?
I would say, Dr. Teather Sundstrom. She’s my advisor, and we are like bread and butter. I always hang out with her and ask her questions. She probably gets annoyed with me sometimes, honestly. But yes, she’s been vital. She helped me get into the lab and helped me understand my passion for chemistry. I am really grateful for that.

Do you have any advice for younger students in the department?
Just find your passion. I saw that chemistry was something I really liked doing and being involved in, and that helped me center myself. Once you’re centered, you can pinpoint what skills you need and what you need to do to better yourself as you get closer to graduating.