Michael Amolins
Class of 2007

Hometown: Sioux Falls

High School: Lincoln

Major: ACS Chemistry
Minors: Math and Music

Extracurricular Activities: American Chemical Society, Augustana Band, Northlanders Jazz Band, Saxophone Quartet, Pep Band, Intramural Sports

How and why did you choose your major?
I knew I wanted to do something in the sciences, but I wasn't exactly sure what. After taking high school chemistry, I got really interested in the field and decided to tour Augustana's chemistry department. One afternoon spent with Dr. Gary Earl helped me determine that I wanted to become a chemist.

What is the best class you have taken at Augustana?
Advanced Medicinal Chemistry. It is by far the hardest course offered on campus, but is also taught by the best professor on campus, Dr. Gary Earl. I learned more than I ever could have imagined and actually decided to go into Medicinal Chemistry as a research chemist designing new chemotherapy and anti-cancer treatments.

You recently presented a research project at an international scientific conference. What was your research interest and what was the conference like?
The conference I attended was the International Summer School for Green Chemistry in Venice, Italy. The best Green Chemists in the world were there. As it turned out, I was the only undergraduate student and the only student from the Western Hemisphere invited to attend. While there, I participated in several workshops and got to present work that I had done as part of a summer research internship at Augustana (not to mention hang out in Venice for a whole week!). As a matter of fact, the Chemistry department will be continuing this research for several years, so maybe another Augustana student will get to take the same trip.

Have you received any awards or recognition that you'd like to share with us?
I received the Goldwater Scholarship this past April. It is an award granted to only 300 students nationwide who wish to pursue a career in the sciences. I was also elected Vice President of both the ACS and Augustana Band for the 2005-2006 school year.

What is your favorite meal in the Commons?
Chicken Patties with Mac and Cheese!

What is the most unexpected thing you have done or experienced during your college career at Augustana?
That would definitely be the trip to Venice. I never in a million years would have thought it was possible. Because of Augustana's support, I was able to attend, and I am very grateful for that.

What is your favorite memory from your first year at Augie?
The 2nd Floor Solberg prank war. The men destroyed the women!

Looking back on your senior year of high school, why did you choose Augie?
Because of the opportunities Augie presented me. If I had chosen any other school, I never would have done research after my freshman year, I never would have gone to Argonne National Laboratories after my sophomore year, and I never would have gone on those trips abroad. I also believe I would not have received the great education I have received here.

What will you miss most about Augustana after graduation?
I will miss the close friendships I have developed not only with students but with faculty as well.

What advice would you give first year students at Augustana?
Develop wonderful friendships with those around you, but also work hard. Augustana has a lot to offer, but you have to be motivated enough to take full advantage of it.

Do you have specific career goals for after graduation?
I will be attending graduate school to pursue a doctoral degree and career in Medicinal Chemistry. I hope to find a cure for Leukemia and/or other forms of cancer.

More accolades for Mike...