Christopher Castillo

I received my undergraduate degree from Washington and Jefferson College in Washington, PA (outside of Pittsburgh). Currently, I am a doctoral student in the Department of Chemistry. My research focuses on organic synthesis and energetic molecules. For a year in between undergraduate and graduate school I worked for UPS as a supervisor. Then I made the decision to pursue my love for science. I entered Drexel as a master’s student while continuing to work. After one year the opportunity arose for me to enter the doctoral program and teach. My career aspirations are to work for companies contracted to the federal government on energy sources or national defense. There are many national organizations that I am currently active in—American Chemical Society, Society of Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh, and candidate for Knights of Columbus. I am also active here at Drexel. I am the Graduate Representative on the Curriculum Committee for the Chemistry Department and the Secretary for the Chemistry Graduate Interaction Group (Chemistry Department’s GSA). I have also organized and orchestrated the official recognition of the CGIG.

My goals are to improve living conditions (stipends and insurance), communication and representation, and graduate student involvement. The first consideration of anyone assuming a career is living conditions. Our peer institutions are outscoring us in stipend and insurance. The best way to direct the future of the graduate body is to take a census of Drexel students to understand what we need and how we feel. The graduate body has much responsibility and is being trained to be leaders. Ensuring a voice in the University will aid us in all of our roles as students, teachers, and future leaders. Our roles manifest the need for involvement to allow us to showcase our talents and represent Drexel to the best of our ability. Together we can better promote ourselves and the University.