Chris Fry
Class of 2008

Hometown: Pierre, SD

Majors: Chemistry and Physics

How did and why did you choose your majors?
I have always had an interest in the sciences and math and when I heard about the relatively new chemistry and physics double major program, I knew it was the program for me.

Looking back on your senior year of high school, why did you choose Augustana?
I chose Augustana because of its academic reputation and because of the liberal arts education. I enjoy learning about subjects other than the sciences.

What do you like about the liberal arts? Do you see benefits in it, other than to satisfy your personal curiosity?
Being a well-rounded person, I find, is a core characteristic to succeed in life.The liberal arts education at Augustana promotes the development of students into well-rouned people. I know my education here will allow me to keep the doors of opportunity open. A liberal arts education does not only affect your career, but it also plays a role in other aspects of life. I will be quite able to carry on conversations about politics, religion, or a variety of other subjects and actually know what I am talking about.

What is the best class you've taken at Augustana?
The best class I've taken is Principles of Economics I with Dr. Nesiba. It reinvigorated my passion for business.

What is the most unexpected thing you have done or experienced during your college career at Augustana?
I tried to start a coffeehouse in the Siverson Lounge [in the Commons building on campus]. I soon found out that Sodexo's contract [the company who provides food service to Augustana] prevents anything of the sort. I did, however, meet with the President and the Dean of Students who got me on the board to remodel the Huddle. My idea ended up failing, but in the long run, my goal was a success.

What is your favoite Augustana hangout spot?
My favorite hangout spot is the Canton board room. I like to do all of my studying in the room when it is not occupied by meetings.

At this point, do you have career goals or immediate plans after graduation?
My plan is to attend graduate school. I will do graduate work in chemistry while getting an M.B.A. Ideally, I would like to start my own business based on my science background.

Do you have plans for this summer?
I have recently submitted a reserach proposal. If that does not work out, I will apply for a research position to work under one of the chemistry professors. The last month of summer I will restart my odd-job business with some landscaping projects.

What have you proposed to research this summer?
In my summer research proposal, I would work under Dr. Earl and Dr. Wiesshaar. Their project deals with quaternary ammonium compounds (quat), which are ionic compounds. The research team has already devised an industrially clean method for their formation. They will develop methods to substitute anions on the quat. This gives the compound different qualities which can be used for fuel cells, capacitors, cleaners and personal care products. My proposal involved the analysis of the substitution reactions of the anions. From this analysis, we will determine the most efficient and effective methods to substitute different ions on the quats.

What advice would you give first year students at Augie?
My advice would be to take risks. Jump into the campus life with both feet. Getting involved is rather nerve racking but it is well worth it in the long run.