Biochemist

By: Dani Puccio

What is Biochemistry?
Study of chemical make-up and processes in
living organisms
Focused on the molecular level
Biochemists study macromolecules and
organelles and chemical balance in
organisms
Applications include: genetics, forensic
science, medications and plant science.

Education- High School

Verona Area High School

Enjoyed math, chemistry and biology
AP Chemistry
Calculus
AP Biology

Education- Bachelors Degree

Columbia University New York, NY (16 biochem school)
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, however,other
majors include biology and chemistry.
2 semesters of general chemistry
2 Semesters of general chem with lab
Introductory biology
2 semesters of general biology lab
2 semesters of organic chem with lab
2 semesters of intermediate classes (microbiology,
genetics ect.)

Higher Education
Biochemists can have a bachelors, masters or a PHD.
Those with bachelors or masters typically only work in
product testing and development while those with a
PHD can conduct their own laboratory and educate
others
I got my PHD in biochemistry and conduct my own
reasearch lab.

Work Environment
I work in a lab at the University of
Wisconsin Madison
The lab has current materials such as
powerful microscopes and other new
technology.
I frequently collaborate and assist others
when conducting research

Day to Day Responsibilities

Typical 40 hour weeks and overtime on projects with
deadlines
Conduct research on new drugs, fertilizers cleaning
products etc. as well as work to develop
environmentally friendly cleaning products and new
ideas for medicine.
I will assign groups to different projects and research
and do my own research and assist others.

Pay Day
I have been a biochemist for 10 years
Starting salary for a person with a doctorate
in biochemistry is about 75,521 annually
I currently make 118,141 per year

Recommendations
My recommendations to high school students
interested in a career in biochemistry is to
take as many math courses available at your
high school as well as classes such as physics,
chemistry and biology. I also recommend
taking a look at colleges with good science
and biochemistry departments.

Bibliography
http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Doctorate_(PhD)%2c_Biochemistry_(BCH)/Hourly_Rate
http://www.biochemistry.org/education/schoolsandcolleges/whatisbiochemistry.aspx
http://www.bc.edu/schools/cas/chemistry/undergrad/biochem.html
http://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/columbia-university-190150
http://www.innerbody.com/careers-in-health/guide-to-biochemistry-careers.html