Student Profile: Dan Greenawalt
Perhaps one of the most valuable aspects of the Chatham experience is the community here. As a student, I (Abigail Kneuss ‘22) have learned to lean on and learn through its members. In an effort to showcase just a few of these great people, I am interviewing those that go above and beyond at Chatham. These highlights are for students, about students, and by students. This week features Dan Greenawalt ‘23.
Dan is a Biochemistry major here at Chatham who is deeply involved in his studies. Not only does he serve as the president of the Chemistry Club, but he also acts as a supplementary instructor and tutor for entry-level chemistry and biology classes and a researcher for Dr. James Rainbolt. Outside of his studies, you can find him working as a resident assistant (RA) or being a friendly face across campus. Learn more about Dan, his interests and his plans for the future below!
Dan Greenawalt ‘23
Why did you decide to study at Chatham?
I was struggling to find a college for a while, and once I found Chatham I was drawn in by the location. It was close enough to a city experience but tucked away enough to not be directly in it. Truly, I loved how the campus looked in the spring.
What would you like to do with your biochemistry degree?
Biochemistry is a pretty good degree to pursue if you are pre-med. It prepares you well for the MCATs (Medical College Admission Test) and gives you tools to succeed in med school. It is challenging, but that was something I was looking to do with my degree. The end goal is to become an oncologist. I have a lot of family who have been affected by cancer, and I want to make an impact on the world for them through studying cancer. I am looking to do a program where I can get an M.D. and a Ph.D.
Can you tell me more about your work with the Chemistry Club?
The club is just getting started on-ground as we were entirely virtual last year. We’re trying to do some more outreach programs this year to bring in speakers working in the fields of chemistry and biology. We’re hoping to show students the many paths that these degrees can take you on and provide networking opportunities. We also do networking opportunities through the SACP, an analytical chemist society in Pittsburgh that hosts a conference each year on new cool research where you can meet professors and professionals in the field. We’re also trying to get a community service leg up and running to get kids in Pittsburgh immersed and interested in science.
What does your research position entail?
I’m researching the synthesis of air-stable acenes with Dr. James Rainbolt. It helps further my career goals because it gets me in the laboratory and I get the freedom of going through the scientific method on my own. It has taught me how to troubleshoot problems and work through them. It’s really independent and experiential which is crucial for graduate and medical programs.
In your free time, what do you enjoy doing?
I love fishing and hunting. No matter the weather, I will go fishing any time that I go home. I also enjoy going to the Strip District in Pittsburgh. It’s just nice to see all of the different people there living their lives.
What has been the best part of your Chatham experience thus far?
My favorite part has been learning about different cultures and different people and having the ability to hear their stories and tell mine as well. Chatham has allowed me to become more diverse in my thoughts and actions. When I first came here, I didn’t know much about diversity initiatives and pronoun usage and it has really opened my eyes to how I was before I came here and who I want to be in the future.
Any advice as an RA for new students?
I would just say push yourself in social aspects. I was very shy when I came into college, and that’s okay but sometimes it requires stepping outside of your comfort zone to find a spot in a new place. To me, making connections and making friends is a lot of what college is about. I’ve made some lifelong friends here at Chatham.