Natural Sciences: Matt Gleason '26
Major(s) and minor(s)
B.S. in Chemistry
Minor in Statistics
Pronouns
He/Him
Hometown
Philadelphia, PA
Areas of interest/focus in research
Organometallic Catalysis
Mechanistic Organic Chemistry
Sustainable Synthesis/ Green Chemistry
Labs / departments / offsite programs where research was conducted
Department of Chemistry - Kennedy Lab
About me...
Hello! I am a current junior here at UR, and I am originally from Philadelphia, PA. Some of my hobbies include music, baking, chess, and binge-watching TV shows (currently watching Glee)!
When I first arrived at UR, I originally thought I wanted to be a physician, but after taking organic chemistry and joining a research lab, I was inspired to switch my career path and pursue a research career. I now plan to pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry and I hope to have a career advancing sustainable methods in chemical industry. I currently work in the Kennedy Lab, where I work on understanding the mechanism of nickel-catalyzed organic reactions. I have also worked as a Chemistry Workshop Leader and I am currently a Statistics Teaching Assistant.
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/matthewgleason-urochester
How has your experience as a researcher influenced your career objectives?
Research has helped me narrow my interests and understand how my coursework translates into research applications. Before entering a research group, I was unsure of what I wanted to do with my career, and my research experience has helped shape my current career plans.
What I love most about research is how it changes your way of approaching problems. After being in a research lab for over a year, I have a completely different way of designing experiments and approaching questions that I want to answer.
Campus organizations, programs, activities, clubs, awards/distinctions
Undergraduate Chemistry Society Secretary
Department of Chemistry Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity, and Outreach Committee
LOGOS Art & Literature Journal
Statistics Teaching Assistant
2024 Schwartz Discover Grant Recipient
Fun Fact: when I'm not doing research you can usually find me...
Tutoring others in organic chemistry, listening to music, reading, trying new restaurants, baking, and spending time with friends!
Areas where I may be particularly helpful
- Schwartz Discover Grant Application
- Writing research statements/ proposals
- Applying to internships
- Reaching out to Principal Investiagotrs (PIs)
- and anything at all!
What advice do you have for prospective or new researchers?
The key to a great PI-mentee relationship is communication! While sometimes we are afraid of "bothering" PIs, communicating your questions and concerns is crucial for growing as a researcher.
Email me at: mgleaso9@u.rochester.edu