When Don Dressen participated in a three week long DU summer program called "The Making of an Engineer" as a high school sophomore, he got a taste for what was in store at the University of Denver. What he didn't realize at the time was that path would lead him through DU to a PhD program at Harvard.

Growing up in Pueblo, Colorado as the oldest of four children, Don was fascinated by the complexities of nature. "My love for science was strengthened by an obsession with the television show 'Bill Nye the Science Guy,' but after taking several chemistry classes during high school that were taught by an inspiring teacher, I eventually realized that my true calling was to study fundamental science" Don remembers.

While impressed with the program offerings at DU, the real intrigue for Don was the faculty, and the general atmosphere during a visit to campus. After truly experiencing DU on that visit, Don felt like it was the right match for him.

"My choice to major in both chemistry and physics at DU was a direct result of my childhood passion for science" said Don. While at DU this passion grew as he began taking a wide variety of science classes. With the encouragement of his instructors, he explored further into the subtleties of science that he found especially intriguing, leading him to participate in undergraduate research projects.

"Between participating in a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Boulder, CO and the research projects I completed with various faculty members at DU, I discovered my affinity and passion for science while developing my interest in studying beyond DU."

Although juggling two majors and research put a great amount of strain on his time, Don still managed to find room in his schedule to study abroad in southern Germany at the University of Tubingen for six months. While abroad, he was granted a research internship at the University of Tubingen by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The research in biophysics that he completed while in Germany ultimately convinced him to pursue a Ph.D. in the subject.

Don is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in biophysics at Harvard, citing the quality of the program, diversity of the research opportunities, and the challenge of being among some of the most talented students and faculty as critical factors to attending. In preparation for Harvard, Don has found that the academic training he received at DU has more than prepared him for the challenges he has faced at Harvard.

"The firm foundation of knowledge I received from DU has allowed me to tackle the difficult material of my graduate classes" Don says. He feels that the small class sizes and the one-on-one contact with professors were key in preparing him for his challenges in Graduate School.

However, even with his accomplishments in moving on from DU, Don still has things he misses. "One thing that I wish I had now that I was not able to take away from DU is the spectacular view of the Rocky Mountains!"