All of the professors were very welcoming and more than happy to assist you in anyway even if you never worked with them. It was a very open and strong community.

Steven came to Brown from Loyola University of Chicago where he studied Biology. Steven decided to pursue a master’s degree because he was torn between going to medical school and graduate school. Steven used the Master’s at Brown as a way to bridge his time and make a decision about his future. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Pathology at Duke University's School of Medicine. Here is Steven's story: 

What made you decide to attend Brown?

Steven: I decided to attend Brown because I was torn between going to medical school or graduate school. I wanted to take a year or two off to think about this decision, but not completely stop my education so I chose to do my Master's. I chose Brown because of many reasons including: flexibility of the program, the faculty, school standing, location, and potential networking.

What school did you come from and what did you study as an undergraduate?

Steven:  I came from Loyola University of Chicago where I studied Biology.

What was your Master’s thesis?

Steven: My research focused on drug delivery and discovery specifically with Staphylococcus aureus in various animal models. I collaborated on a paper with an associate professor in my lab and it was published this year in Future Medicinal Chemistry.

What did you get from your Master’s Degree at Brown?

Steven: From my degree at Brown, I learned various lab techniques, vast amounts of general knowledge in my field, as well as what I wanted to do with my future.

Where are you now and how did Brown help you get there if it did?

Steven: I am now doing my PhD in Pathology at Duke University's School of Medicine. I was able to get here through my experiences in the lab and networking with various faculty and physicians.

What did you like about Brown?

Steven: I really enjoyed many of the courses offered at Brown. All of the professors were very welcoming and more than happy to assist you in anyway even if you never worked with them. It was a very open and strong community.

Given the outcome of your degree would you make the same decision to attend Brown?

Steven: Yes, the school is wonderful and I would have been happy to spend more time there.

Anything else you would like to add?

Steven: The most important thing I learned was to find a lab and PI that fits you the most. The research is nearly insignificant if you are not happy with your environment and who you work with.