Name: Matthew Chavarria
Year: Senior
Major: Biochemistry
Hometown: Kodiak, Alaska
You studied abroad in Spain, what was your favorite place to visit?
This bar called BinBin had this thing called “college nights.” On Thursdays and Sundays you could buy two shots for a Euro. That was kind of our hangout spot.
Top three memories from the trip:
- Staying with my host family because they were awesome. They were just very helpful. I couldn’t have asked for a better host family.
- Traveling around the country. I’m really glad I did that. I ended up traveling all over Spain: East, North, South, West and the Coast. It was totally worth it. I’m so glad I did that.
- The first time I had seen the Mediterranean
What was your best memory from UP?
Taking advantage of all the opportunities here at UP and getting involved as a home base leader. I’m really glad I got involved with research here. Lastly, the people that I got to know here.
What is one piece of advice you would give to a freshman?
Don’t limit yourself. People are so afraid of joining extra clubs, studying abroad like –“I don’t know the language?” Every opportunity (within reason) that comes your way, take it! Take advantage of your free time. Go explore Portland. Do volunteer work!
What do you plan to do after you graduate?
After I graduate this year I am going to go down to South America for a healthcare-related volunteer program that will be located in Chile, I believe. That’s going to be 10 weeks over the summer. Then I am going to go back to Alaska to get a job of some sort. I’ll put forth my application to dental school, hopefully go to dental school and then I am going into the Air Force.
How did your research experience affect your future as a student?
Participating in research really allowed me to expand my view of how classes and academia convene. Being able to take part in research really helped me to appreciate what I was learning because I knew that people really utilized it.
What is your best chemistry joke?
“I was in Chemistry lab and I accidentally mixed a couple basic solutions together and I got a pumkin spice latte.”
“An atom says to another, “I lost my electron!” “Are you sure!?” “Yes, I’m positive.”
“I’m making bad chemistry jokes because all the good ones Argon.”
“I have a lot of chemistry jokes, I’m just afraid they won’t get a good reaction.”