Eutectic Graduate Sets Himself Up for Success 

For UHSP graduate student and Eutectic’s Men’s Volleyball player Cole Cwiklowski, B.S. ’23, the path to realizing his future passion for research and chemistry started at a young age. 

“My father owned an asbestos removal company, and I worked on the collection and testing for the presence of asbestos,” Cwiklowski said. “While I didn’t enjoy the nitty gritty of tearing up the floors and walls, I found I enjoyed the testing process.” 

During high school, Cwiklowski excelled in science, specifically in the lab.  

“My grades in my science labs were better than in my other classes,” Cwiklowski noted. “The way I would attack a problem was very methodical and I really liked seeing the science in what I was learning through trial and error.” 

Choosing a College Path 

When it came time to begin the college search, Cwiklowski decided to explore pre-medicine. 

“When I first started looking at colleges, I was looking at majors like biomedical sciences that would put me on the pre-med path,” Cwiklowski said. “Most of those were large state schools that had great programs, but I was also looking at playing a sport.” 

Balancing Academics and Athletics 

 Cwiklowski had a passion for playing volleyball, and wanted to attend a school where he could pursue medicine and play his favorite sport. 

“My first assumption was if I wanted to go pre-med that equaled no sports,” Cwiklowski explained. “Then I was introduced to the men’s volleyball coach at UHSP, who told me that it was possible to go pre-med and play a sport.” 

At the time, the Eutectics Men’s Volleyball team was in its inaugural season. Cwiklowski had the chance to visit the UHSP campus to interact with students and professors and meet with the coaches. That visit solidified his interest in attending UHSP. 

My first assumption was if I wanted to go pre-med that equaled no sports. Then I was introduced to the men’s volleyball coach at UHSP, who told me that it was possible to go pre-med and play a sport.

Athletic Comradery at UHSP 

“At UHSP there is so much specialization in the sciences and it helped my mind to stay grounded,” Cwiklowski explained.

He says his volleyball teammates also provided support throughout his time at UHSP. 

“My favorite thing about the athletics programs at UHSP is the friendships that I have with my teammates,” Cwiklowski said. “During the season, we’re going to practice, riding to games together and competing together. It really helps us to form good connections with each other.” 

Looking Ahead: Masters in Medicinal Chemistry and Beyond 

With his bachelor’s degree in hand, Cwiklowski is now focused on completing his Master of Science in Medical Chemistry at UHSP over the next two years. 

“In five years, I would like to be close to completing a Ph.D. program and working in a chemistry- related field,” Cwiklowski explained. “Beyond that, I might continue on to academia, but would also love to come back to UHSP and continue to collaborate with the professors on research.” 

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