Alexander Burik '14

What are you doing now?

During my last year at Knox, I applied for research grants to work at the Frankfurt Initiative for Regenerative Medicine in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Recently, I have attended laboratory meetings and will be involved in their research on limb regeneration over the course of the next year. After that, I plan to apply for master's programs in the biological sciences in Germany.

Tell us about a memorable class, experience, professor, assignment and what you learned?

The biochemistry classes I have taken with Professor Janet Kirkley have been the most demanding academic experience I have had at Knox, and provided me with a strong foundation that proved invaluable when I worked at the Molecular Hematology Laboratory at the University Clinic, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

Is there a professor that has had a significant impact on you?

Every professor I have studied with at Knox has had their own personal impact on my education and my life. Catherine Denial's American History courses helped me develop a more critical approach to reading historical sources and gave me a multifaceted perspective on the nation's heritage. Gregory Gilbert's Art History opened my eyes to the world of the visual arts. Jeremy and Sarah Day-O'Connell's Music Theory and Introduction to Music courses have given me a heightened aesthetic appreciation of the many ways in which music can be heard, and have made me a more active listener. Looking back, the most important parts of my Knox experience were the relationships I formed with professors. My professors welcomed me into their offices and this allowed me obtain a fuller understanding of material covered in class. Additionally, the opportunity to delve into the arts as well as the sciences I had at Knox has embellished my life beyond mere career preparation and has deepened my love for playing music.