student

Brian Lysy '12

Major:

Chemistry

Activities:

Volunteer firefighter with Selinsgrove’s Dauntless Hook and Ladder, Chemical Society, Ice Hockey Club, Information Technology Helpdesk manager and technician.

Why I serve as a volunteer firefighter:

I knew I wanted to be a volunteer firefighter for as long as I can remember. I have always loved helping people. My dad has been a career firefighter my whole life, so he probably was the biggest influence in my becoming a volunteer firefighter.

How Susquehanna prepared me for what’s next:

At SU you not only learn about your major, but you learn life skills in the process. Everything that I learned in my four years here will be implemented in some way, shape or form in my future profession and beyond.

The connection between chemistry and firefighting:

I can use a lot of what I learn in class on the fire ground, and I’ve also been able to bring my experiences as a firefighter back to the classroom and lab. Questions I get to explore include “Why did this burn but not that?” and “How did the fire actually start?” I’ve been able to study research papers involving chemistry and firefighting. And, I even was able to present a seminar on the use of nanotechnology in a firefighter's protective gear.

The most surprising thing about majoring in chemistry:

I have been surprised by the amount of research I put in. This semester, I have been in the lab at least 12 hours a week working on the project I presented at the American Chemical Society meeting in California in March.