Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

Tyrus Blount

Year Graduated:

2018

Chemist

Job description

Illumina is known for its next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies. As a manufacturing chemist within our fully functional nucleotide (FFN) team, my job is to synthesize, purify, and quantify our FFNs. They are then distributed internally and added to our sequencing kits—FFNs are used during the sequencing by synthesis (SBS) process where they emit a light corresponding to which specific base they bound to. They serve as the interface between the sample DNA and the machine's detectors.

How did this program prepare you for your job?

I found a job in biotech thanks to the wet lab skills Humboldt provided. I would say that understanding high-performance liquid chromatography will be a huge help in landing that first role. Or if you really have a knack or interest in another technology-focused skill, ask your professor/advisor how to get more experience with it!

What did you enjoy most about the program?

Utilizing office hours is what got me through my courses. Upper-division class sizes were already pretty small and intimate, but having the opportunity to meet with my professors one-on-one and discuss class material was so valuable. Being able to ask follow-up questions helped me fully understand the material and further enriched my education.

Other comments?

I had a bit of help landing my first job through a connection I made outside of school, so if anyone needs someone on the inside, let me know! A good word goes a long way when you're just starting out.

Job description

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