Will Case, B.S. 2000

Associate Provost for Student Success, Converse University – Spartanburg, SC

2000 Major: Chemistry and Spanish

How has being a Chemistry graduate from Duke helped shape you personally and/or professionally?

"The research and mentoring experiences I had at Duke are responsible for many of the successes I've had later in life. I was fortunate to have a wonderful undergraduate research mentor who later became my doctoral advisor in graduate school. As a student at Duke I knew I was interested in an academic career, and the chemistry department also provided opportunities for me to serve as an assistant in some of the teaching laboratories. My undergraduate training prepared me to be successful in graduate school and beyond."

What advice would you give students in Duke's Chemistry programs? 

"Take advantage of research and experiential learning opportunities that are available to you during your undergraduate years. Employers and graduate schools will be interested in the research experiences you've had, whether they be within a university setting, industry, or another type of lab. If you are interested in teaching or a career in higher education I'd also recommend becoming a tutor for your peers. In addition to helping your fellow students you also gain practical skills that will help you thrive in a future educational setting."

Will Case