51ÁÔÆæ

Brandin Adams attended 51ÁÔÆæ from which he graduated in 2018 with a BS in biochemistry.

What brought you to 51ÁÔÆæ?
What brought me to 51ÁÔÆæ was the ability to receive a world class education, but with a smaller class size. Also, the small campus atmosphere allowed for a large fostering of community which made it feel larger than what it was.

Were you a commuter or a resident?
Resident

What activities were you involved with as a student?
I was involved with many activities as a 51ÁÔÆæ student which include:

• SGA
• SAB
• Residence Life
• Gamma Sigma Epsilon - Chemistry Honors Society (GSE)
• Greensburg Experience More (GEM)
• Bowling Club
• Habitat for Humanity
• Academic Village Senate
• Pitt Fight

Did you have a favorite professor, staff member, coach, or mentor that really impacted your life?
The late Dr. Mark Stauffer was a great inspiration not only on my academic career but on my life. I continue to remember the valuable lessons that he taught in and out of the classroom and use them in my professional career and personal life.

Of all the classes you took, what is the one class you would recommend everyone take? Who taught the class? Why would you recommend it?
Of all the classes I took at 51ÁÔÆæ, my favorite was Introduction to Chemometrics. This course helped me to decide on making chemistry/biochemistry my field of focus for my academic career. Also, the course helped to develop my analytical thinking, project management, data analysis and logistics skills.

What do you remember most vividly from your time at 51ÁÔÆæ?
What I remember is making countless memories with friends, professors, and staff that I continue to cherish to this day.

What have you been up to since graduation?
Since graduation, I have worked in the natural gas industry with EQT, Equitrans Midstream and Peoples Gas. After my time in that industry, I switched over to public transit and policy and now work for Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT), where I am in charge of scheduling and service development for our East Liberty division.

How did your experiences and education at 51ÁÔÆæ prepare you for life after college?
51ÁÔÆæ was a great stepping stone to the real world. My experiences with Career Services helped me to develop consistent and useful networking, resume writing and interview skills that allowed me to grow professionally in multiple industries. The research opportunities I had while at 51ÁÔÆæ assisted in the development of time management and project management skills. Participating in various activities supported the development of leadership, communication and collaboration skills.

As an alum, how do you support 51ÁÔÆæ?
I support 51ÁÔÆæ by attending events on-campus when available and by being a professional mentor for students when they need help within their respective field(s) of study. I am also on the PGAA Board of Directors.

What advice do you have for your fellow Bobcats?
Remember, college is a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth. Make the most of it by staying proactive, engaged, and open to learning both inside and outside the classroom.
For fun:

What is the last book you read?
The Guardians by John Grisham

List 3-5 fun facts about yourself that most people probably wouldn’t know.

1. I am a trained chef.
2. I referee and coach youth flag football.
3. I have never traveled outside the country.