Graduate Student Highlight: Vincent Torres
Each week, the Department of Chemistry highlights a graduate student who is doing exciting work around the department. In this installment of our highlight series, we are featuring Vincent Torres, who is a member of the Hickey group in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering.
Vincent’s research entails upcycling polymers to create complex macromolecular architectures with tunable chemistry. His goal is to help turn waste polymers into materials with noteworthy attributes.
This week, we met virtually with Vincent to discuss his life in and outside of the lab! Please enjoy our interview with Vincent Torres.
Question: How did you get interested in chemistry?
Answer: During my freshman year of high school, I had a class that covered a wide range of sciences (geology, physics, and chemistry). Once we got onto the topic of stoichiometry, I knew right then and there that chemistry was my calling.
Q: What inspires you as a scientist?
A: I am very passionate about helping to create new and exciting ways to recycle materials to help with the sustainability problems we are currently facing.
Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: In the past year, I was able to “crack the code” on one of my projects, which led to my first first-author publication. The thrill and excitement of seeing my work being published was one of the best things I have ever experienced.
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Jackson Township, New Jersey. It's the home of Six Flags Great Adventure, which has the tallest roller coaster in the world
Q: Do you have any hobbies?
A: I am an amateur baker that specializes in bread/pizza as well as making homemade hard apple cider. I also really enjoy gardening.
Q: What’s your favorite way to spend a day off?
A: Lately, I've been enjoying going for hikes at the nearby trails in the area. When the weather isn't as nice outside, I enjoy meeting up with friends (safely) to try my newest batch of cider and to play board games.
Q: What’s your dream vacation?
A: My dream vacation would be to visit all the historic castles and temples across Japan. Their architecture is just truly breathtaking along with the aesthetics.
Q: If you could have dinner with anybody (living or dead), who would it be and why?
A: I would honestly choose to have dinner with my friends. I love hosting dinner parties where everyone brings a unique dish. I would say this is probably one of the things I've missed the most during the ongoing pandemic.
Thanks to Vincent for these interesting and thoughtful answers! We hope you enjoyed this interview. Stay tuned for more graduate student highlights in the weeks to come!