Jason Whithorn '25
PhD Chemistry

On Stony Brook:
I heard about Stony Brook University through professors at my undergraduate institution, Wayne State University. 

I was interested in attending a university with a strong biochemistry presence in research, and Stony Brook University was it. The tight sense of collaboration between departments on campus is what drove me to apply to Stony Brook.

On his area of study:
My undergraduate major was in Biochemistry and Chemical Biology. My doctorate degree will be in Chemistry with a focus in Biochemistry. I always loved chemistry, but became fascinated by the unseen world of microorganisms around us. I always wanted to be a veterinarian growing up, but the more chemistry/biology work I did through my coursework made me fall in love with academic research. A love for biology, and the pride of a chemist. Combining the two fields to investigate the complex networks in living organisms was all I could have ever hoped for as an undergrad. 

Favorite class:
One of my favorite classes was "CHE 543: Chemical Biology II" taught by Dr. Scott Laughlin. In the course, you would learn the various techniques biochemists and chemical biologists use for experimentation. However, the real fun was in the experience in critical thinking the course instills in students. Each class, we peer assess published research articles, determine if the experiments answer the questions being asked, and even gain experience writing research grants during the course. The course has everything needed to better prepare incoming scientists.

Interests: 
Research-wise I was always fascinated by the world of biochemistry. I like to call myself  "a biologist in disguise." Although my degrees/training has been in chemistry, I have always been more on the biological side characterizing signal transduction in bacteria. Regardless of the title, I am interested in how diverse bacteria can be, especially in regards to bacteria that cause disease. Organisms we cannot see with our own eyes, rapidly dividing and constantly evolving to overcome new challenges thrown at them. Understanding how these microorganisms constantly change is like a "Where's Waldo" puzzle. You search, search and search until the answer finally shows itself, then you flip the page and you're on a whole other puzzle.

Apart from research, I love mentoring students and training the next generation of scientists. At Stony Brook I have had the pleasure of mentoring one high school student, five undergraduate students, two master's students, and several junior PhD students. Watching these students grow and accomplish their goals is an exciting experience, and I aim to never stop. I love how diverse both Stony Brook and the world of STEM research is. The people, their backgrounds, the approaches people take while problem solving. It is essential to keep this diversity in every aspect we do. I am a first generation college student, and didn't even take my first chemistry course until I started as a freshman at a local community college back in Michigan. I went from taking chemistry for people who have never taken chemistry all the way to earning my PhD in chemistry. Everyone deserves a chance to learn and grow, and I wish these same opportunities are offered to the next generation of scientists just as they have been offered to me.

Accomplishments:

• SBU NIH T32 Chemical Biology Training Program Fellow
• SBU Markus and Kimberely Boehm Endowed Fellow
• SBU President's Award for Distinguished Doctoral Student
• Department of Chemistry John Rudick Memorial Award for Distinguished Doctoral Students
• Department of Chemistry Outstanding Service Award

Plans for post-graduation:
Although I am still looking, I plan on doing a post-doctoral fellowship to study the dynamic signaling landscape of bacterial biofilms in disease-causing bacteria.

Advice for future Seawolves: 
My main advice is to connect with everyone around you, and to find your people. At Stony Brook University, the people will go out of their way to ensure you get the help you need/will make you feel supported. Classmates that help you study, the students you sit next to in seminars, even the faculty who teach your courses/are in your department. I've formed lasting connections here that have made me not only a better scientist, but a better person as well. Establishing this network of supportive individuals here at Stony Brook University will really help you excel. 

Favorite SBU memory:
It might seem a weird response, but what I will remember most is the day every year when the campus turns the fountains back on. During the winter, everyone is grinding in their coursework/research and locking themselves in their respective buildings to avoid the cold. However, every spring as soon as the fountains are turned back on, the campus comes back to life. Students flood the campus walkways, Staller Steps are packed from top to bottom, cherry blossoms are blooming, and even the turtles coming out of Roth Pond. It may be the smallest thing, but it really opens you up to how beautiful Stony Brook University's campus is.

Parting thoughts: 
I would not be completing my PhD if it wasn't for the amazing mentors and support I have here at SBU. My advisor Dr. Elizabeth Boon, mentors Dr. Peter Tonge and Dr. Jessica Seeliger, all of my lab mates, and friends I have made along the way. Thank you for all the love and support you have provided me over the years, words cannot express how grateful I am for the connections we have formed.