26

Ethan Sanz

B.S. in Biomedical Science, '26

What first drew me to the University of West Florida was its excellent science department, limitless research opportunities and several professional and academic resources that would allow me to achieve my goal of getting into medical school. While each opportunity has been vital to my growth, I’ve been able to see the most progress within myself through the research I’ve had the privilege of being a part of.

As an integral part of progressing to medical school, research gives students a competitive edge in their applications, so I always knew I wanted to get involved. For the past year and a half, Dr. Tim Royappa, professor in the Department of Chemistry, has mentored me as I researched in his lab. Dr. Royappa supported me as I learned the techniques of running a lab independently and always pushed opportunities my way, including presenting my research at the Student Scholars Symposium and Faculty Research Showcase. Within the lab, we have attempted to synthesize the compound Copper (1) Phenylacetylide in a safer and eco-friendly way. This compound is required in a lot of modern medicine but is often expensive and dangerous to make. Coined as “green chemistry,” this research project has been in the works for five years now and has passed through the hands of several students that have each contributed in their own ways. In science, sometimes progression looks like trying a million different techniques before finding the correct solution, and I am grateful for all the students that have come before me to attempt each and every way. If it weren’t for our combined efforts, we may have never experienced the major breakthrough of successfully creating the compound in a sustainable way.

As I wrap up my research at UWF, I have begun mentoring the future students that will take my place in the lab, teaching them ways to progress in their own work. There is still much more work to be done, but the huge strides that have been made will not only support future Argonauts in their efforts, but also hopefully one day be reproduced for the masses. I am grateful to leave UWF knowing I was a small part in something revolutionary for progressive science.