Student Profiles

Alex Isom

Family Legacy
I love Las Vegas, but I guess I'm biased. I grew up here and so did my father. He attended UNLV when he was my age and went on to dental school. I initially had no plans to finish college and decided to try out for the Clark County Fire Department in the fall of 2002. When that didn't work out, I thought that I had better find a career that would support my wife and future family.

A New Fire
I returned to UNLV in the fall of 2003. With a new and optimistic attitude, I pressed forward with fiery determination to graduate with a bachelor's degree in science. Early in my predetermined curriculum, I was confronted with the notorious class of organic chemistry. I paid no attention to other students' grim descriptions of this class and I resolved to simply do my best. I enjoyed the subject so well that I sought research opportunities with my organic chemistry professor Dr. Byron L. Bennett.

For the Love of Research
As if one semester of research wasn't enough, I decided to take a second. I love the research project I am currently working on. How many people could you ask, "Excuse me, would you mind building me a molecule of such and such?" And how many people would reply as I would, "Of course not, don't be silly, give me a few hours and I'll have it ready before dinner." The endless chemical reactions afforded from such "simple" research procedures can overwhelm even the most intellectual of minds.

New Challenges
I never expected to get caught up in something so intriguing and yet as basic as organic chemistry. I find that when I share my research with peers and other professors, my voice and tone tend to increase in speed and volume. I often wish that I could be here a while longer, although with the new UNLV dental school I may be around campus for some time.

The College of Sciences offers research opportunities, including laboratory experience working side-by-side with professors.