A Well-rounded Biochemist with an Interest in Classics and International Experiences: Damian Sonsino
Damian Sonsino has embraced his full experience at CU Boulder as an undergraduate and now an alumnus, selecting Biochemistry as his primary major, while adding a second major in Classics and a minor in Hebrew and Israel Studies. And... he did all of this while earning top honors - both in academic achievements and recognition from faculty and peers alike. Let's see what his path looked like!
CU BOULDER - A PLACE THAT FEELS LIKE HOME
I chose to attend CU Boulder because I grew up in Colorado, graduating from Gilpin County Undivided High School, and loved the atmosphere, the beautiful campus, and the opportunity to be able to explore options outside of my major. CU offers programs in pretty much anything you could ever want to do, and I actually declared a second major in Classical Studies and a minor in Hebrew/Israel Studies since beginning my studies here. There aren’t a lot of schools that can offer that and I am super happy to have been able to study a broad range of subjects that I was interested in. I didn’t know much about biochemistry or the department here at CU, I just liked biology and chemistry in high school. However, after taking BCHM classes, meeting professors, and conducting research here, I absolutely love the program. I think that the faculty are very knowledgeable, accomplished, and friendly, and the facilities for the BCHM department are excellent.
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY = INVALUABLE KNOWLEDGE
I think that the biggest source of inspiration for me in Biochemistry is the amount that we don’t know. I am absolutely fascinated by the mechanisms, structures, and pathways that we already know, and learning those is super fun for me. However, in class or in the research lab, I am constantly reminded of all of the things we don’t know. I have faith that biochemical techniques will continue to be improved upon and allow us to keep learning more about ourselves and the natural world.
I defended my honors thesis in the Spring 2025 semester, receiving a Latin Honors designation of Summa Cum Laude and I won the Biochemistry Department’s Best Poster Award at the Undergraduate Research Symposium - April 2025.
The Biochemistry Department celebrates Damian's achievements as he finished his CU Boulder career with the following degrees:
- BA in Biochemistry
- BA in Classics
- A minor in Hebrew & Israel Studies
MY LIFE’S JOURNEY
I studied abroad in beautiful city of Athens, Greece in the Fall 2024 semester— just one of the many perks of studying at CU Boulder is the robust and extensive study abroad program! I also think that research has been a huge component of my time here at CU. I started in an organic chemistry laboratory in the Spring 2023 semester and worked there through the summer, transitioning to my current biochemistry laboratory in Fall 2023. I am super lucky and thankful to have been working on research in the Luger Lab since then, and I am eternally grateful to the Luger Lab and my graduate student mentor for the opportunity and guidance in developing valuable lab skills and gaining experience in the field of biochemical research. Currently, I am hoping to take a gap year and work at a biotech or related company to learn more about non-academic research. I am undecided on whether or not I will be attending graduate school, but I believe that my college experience in Biochemistry will allow me to contribute to the scientific community and give me the tools I need to pursue whatever opportunities, careers, or further interests I may have.
In Academics
In Damian's pursuit of a BA in Biochemistry, he was named this year's American Institute of Chemists Student Award (as voted by faculty). Starting in Spring 2023 and continuing through this spring (2025) he was on the Arts and Sciences Dean's List. In Summer 2023 he received an Undergraduate Research Opportunity Grant (UROP).
Damian plans to take a "gap year" to work in the bioscience industry and we know wherever his path takes him, he will be a significant and dedicated contributor.
