From Law Enforcement to Lab Bench — A Journey Fueled by Purpose

From Law Enforcement to Lab Bench - A Journey Fueled by Purpose

Glenn Chambers didn't follow a traditional path to a biochemistry degree. After earning an associate's degree, completing the police academy and serving as a police officer for two years, he made a bold decision to return to college and pursue a new career - one rooted in science and service.

Initially drawn to bioengineering to pursue a career in tissue engineering or prosthetics, Chambers discovered a surprising passion for chemistry.

"I didn't care much for chemistry in high school, but once I got into the labs, I was hooked," he said.

That spark led him to change his major to biochemistry, a decision driven by personal experiences with illness among family and friends and a growing desire to contribute to the development of life-changing treatments.

His academic journey took a pivotal turn when Dr. Wei Li, a professor of organic chemistry in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, invited him to explore research opportunities in his lab involving mechanisms to create molecules of potential medicinal value.

Chambers quickly immersed himself in the work, mentored by Ph.D. candidate Alex Nguyen, and joined a key project in the Wei lab focused on synthesizing nitrogen and sulfur-containing heterocycles via alkene sulfenoamination. Despite the inevitable setbacks and failed reactions, he found research to be one of the most rewarding aspects of his university experience.

"Research has been some of the most fun I've had in college," he said. "If you're even remotely interested in science, give it a shot. Talk to faculty, explore their research and just try. It's worth it."

Wei Li praised Glenn's contributions.

"He has had a very productive undergraduate research experience, with one manuscript currently under review and another in preparation," Wei Li said. "Glenn has excellent work ethics and steady hands - he's conducted many experiments independently and worked on two major projects involving N-heterocyclic compounds and bioluminescent thiazolines. He was able to conduct many of these experiments completely independently."

Now preparing to graduate Saturday, Dec. 13, Chambers is applying to both industry labs and Ph.D. programs. His ultimate goal is to work in the pharmaceutical industry researching and developing therapeutics for cancer and neurodivergent diseases - conditions that have deeply affected those closest to him.