Laura Sanchez ’07: Creating Impact Through Research
Laura Sanchez ’07 came to Whitman with a passion for the sciences that only grew during her time here. She gained valuable hands-on experience working with faculty, which fueled her interest in chemistry research as a career—and led her to continue her education at the University of California (UC) Santa Cruz, where she earned a doctorate in Chemistry and Biochemistry. Now, as an Associate Professor at UC Santa Cruz, she leads the Sanchez Lab, where her team is dedicated to researching the chemistry by which cells and microbes communicate with one another and with their surroundings to coordinate biological functions in complex environments.
“Whitman provided space to explore new areas of science while also directly facilitating numerous interactions with faculty and balance in being able to pursue a number of things on campus outside of academics.
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Laura’s Pathway
(dodgeball, flag football, basketball, ultimate Frisbee) and club softball
in the Organic Chemistry and Advanced Organic Chemistry labs
at UC Santa Cruz
with a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry
with a doctorate in Chemistry and Biochemistry
at the University of Illinois Chicago
at UC Santa Cruz
“I did not even realize a career in research was a viable option, and I don't think I would have been in this same career without having the ability to communicate frequently with faculty at the one-on-one level.
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Upward Pathways. Our alumni’s diverse student experiences and career paths showcase the transformative power of a Whitman education. Find other Upward Pathways.