Outstanding Seniors in the College of Science: Dylan Weaver
This fall, the College of Science recognized ten outstanding seniors for their contributions in and out of the classroom. Dylan Weaver is this semester's recipient from Chemistry & Biochemistry.
The College of Science caught up with Dylan to learn more about his experiences at the University of Arizona and what is on the horizon after graduation.
Why did you choose to study Biochemistry?
I chose to study biochemistry because of my interest in the underlying mechanisms which govern life. The biochemistry field is constantly evolving and as a future scientist/lifelong learner, I am happy that the foundation of my undergraduate career is in a field continuously pushing the limits of society’s knowledge.
Tell us about a class or research project you really enjoyed.
Despite there being many to choose from, a specific class I really enjoyed during my time here has been Topics in Chemical Biology (CHEM 549A). In this class, we learn about the various research techniques used in the field of chemical biology, how they are applied, and much of the fundamental concepts that underly their application. Not only do we get to learn about and discuss current research papers, but we are also pushed to design experiments of our own by integrating what we have learned in the class. I enjoy this class so much because I get to apply my personal learning and skills in the same way an experienced researcher would; it has truly put into perspective the amount I have learned over my undergraduate career and my growth as a scientist.
What is one specific memory from your time at U of A you’ll cherish forever?
A core memory from the University of Arizona that I will cherish is when our football team beat ASU’s during my freshman year of undergraduate. My friends and I were at the game, and the energy in the stadium was unmatched to anything I had experienced before.
What are you most proud of having accomplished in your time at U of A?
I am most proud of the balance I was able to find between school, extracurriculars, and my personal life. Initially, this was difficult to manage, but I continued making subtle and incremental improvements over time. I am now confident in my ability to refine my commitments based upon their meaning to me, which will be a vital skill useful in graduate school to prevent burnout.
What is next for you after graduation?
After graduation this semester, I will finish my MS in Biochemistry during the spring of 2026 and attend medical school in the subsequent semester.