Bibek Dhungel ’23: “I’ve been able to develop a solid foundation for graduate school”

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal

What’s next? I’ve accepted my offer to do a Ph.D. in chemistry at NYU.

How has Caldwell prepared you for your next steps?
My program and faculty have really prepared me for graduate school. Through the classes and labs I’ve taken, I’ve been able to develop a solid foundation for graduate school. On top of that, the various research projects I’ve conducted with the faculty here have helped me develop as a researcher and scholar. The department’s efforts in promoting undergraduate research are what have helped me the most in my preparation for graduate school.

How did you first become interested in studying chemistry?  
I was first introduced to chemistry during high school. Something about organic chemistry just clicked in me and I found it very natural and simple to learn…so I just went with it in college and I’m very glad that I did. It also helps that as a chemist– with all the colorful liquids and beakers– it is exactly what,  as a child, I imagined it would be.

What has been the best part(s) of your experience as a student at Caldwell? 
Many of the liberal arts classes were very, very fun and out of my domain. On campus, it has been very exciting to work on the American Chemical Society where we conduct many events and gatherings tailored toward science students. Other exciting moments would have to be the awesome Tihar celebrations that we’ve done. This last one, which I hosted, was especially fun.

In terms of work, securing internships and learning experiences with the help of my faculty members would top the list.

Academically, my biggest help was Dr. Xiaolei Gao, my mentor throughout this journey. She’s helped me with my internships. She’s helping me with my research and with my graduate school applications. And then everyone from the Natural Sciences Department. I’ve known Dr. [Marjorie] Squires for all of my years here. She helped restart the American Chemical Society here, and I’ve worked with her on the ACS since then. And Dr. [Darryl] Aucoin too. He helped me with my honors project and everything, and I did a project with him.

What are your career goals? I would really like to go into the pharmaceutical industry. Down the road I would like to work in medicinal chemistry where you design drugs and synthesize them.

Do you have a favorite spot on Caldwell’s campus?
I think the Starbucks is my favorite. And then the sitting area [nearby there] in our hall, in that corner, near the vice president of academic affairs office. That little corner is my favorite. It’s a nice quiet spot to get work done.

Other Caldwell highlights and activities?   
With the honors program, I was the mentorship program coordinator, where I paired incoming honors program freshmen with returning students. This program is aimed at smoothing the transition from high school to college for incoming honors students. (mrbonespumpkinpatch) Having gone through the program myself, I found it very satisfying to help new students find their place at Caldwell and within the honors program.

Anything else?
The environment here really helped me,  the small school setting. It helped me grow here because it was not too overwhelming in the beginning. The small-school setting and supportive mentors—mentors were key.

To whatever future success may lie ahead, I’m thankful to the school!