At USciences, Conor Glass PHTX’21 Found Passion and Community
Editor's note: This article was written prior to University of the Sciences' merger with and into Saint Joseph's University and does not reflect the current, combined institution. References to programs, offices, colleges, employees, etc., may be historical information.
While Conor Glass '21 (PHTX) graduated from USciences with the Bicentennial Class in 2021, he is prepared to return to campus in short order to continue his education in the Doctor of Pharmacy program.
“My bachelor’s degree in Pharmacology and Toxicology will undoubtedly help me tremendously as a graduate student,” said Glass. “Having a strong background in the methods of action of multiple drug classes, as well as general methods of toxicities in target organs, will only make me a better pharmacist in the future.”
In his program, Glass found a familial atmosphere and excellent research opportunities. And at USciences, he found a community of friends and brothers in the Pi Lambda Phi fraternity, where he served as president, as well.
“The opportunities and experiences I have gotten from USciences is greater than I could have imagined. I got the chance to meet the most incredible person I could possibly imagine: my girlfriend of the last 4 years,” said Glass. “I became part of a family among the peers and faculty of my major and in the Pharmaceutical Sciences department. The interactions I had with the other undergraduate students as well as the graduate students in the lab will stick with me going forward throughout the rest of my life.”
Glass was a research assistant under Isabelle Mercier, PhD, associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences, where he discovered his passion for the drug discovery process. Another memorable faculty member, Peter Harvison, PhD, professor of pharmacology and toxicology, made learning enjoyable and relatable, said Glass.
“I am most proud that I was part of a team that won the Basic Science Research Poster of the Year in 2019,” said Glass. “The work we were doing on triple negative breast cancer in Dr. Mercier’s lab meant a lot to all of us involved, and the work we put in was showcased. Getting the chance to present our data and findings was one of the best moments of my time here at USciences.”
Glass offers this advice for incoming students: take time out to focus on and work on yourself.
“This includes your social, academic, and personal life,” he said. “Make sure to take time out during your schedule to really reflect on the state of yourself and ask if you are happy with how each aspect of your life is going. If you aren’t, take a look to see what you can possibly do to make your life better, and don’t be afraid to go through with it."