Kaleb Mathieu

Upper School Science Teacher 

Greenhill School

"One thing I was most afraid of was stepping foot into the “real world” after being in school and having the next steps laid out for me my whole life. My advice is to keep calm and know that nobody else knows what they are doing either. Overall, know that you’re not the only one in this place and others who have been through a similar experience are usually happy to help you get through it."

What was your major/minor at Purdue and when did you graduate?

Chemistry with a minor in philosophy. I graduated in 2014.

What was your most compelling class and why?

One of my most compelling classes was advanced organic chemistry. I enjoyed introductory organic chemistry and wanted to learn even more, so having the opportunity to take an advanced version allowed me to go into greater detail and learn topics that would help me later succeed in graduate school.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently working on planning to make my students more successful, as well as starting a PhD in educational psychology.

Did you pursue internships/co-ops, research experiences, volunteer, or join student organizations while you attended Purdue?

During my time at Purdue I participated in undergraduate research starting the second half of my freshman year. Getting experience working on a lab so early allowed me to see how science is done firsthand, as well as teaching me lab techniques and skills that helped me succeed in later classes (especially organic chemistry!). In addition to academic skills, my research experience made me stand out as an applicant for graduate programs in chemistry.

I also was a mentor for UR global for several years, acting as a mentor to groups of international students throughout the year and helping them adjust to life at Purdue. This experience allowed me to connect with students from around the globe and to learn more about life in other countries. By participating in this program I gained valuable leadership and communication skills that allowed me to stand out and be more successful in future endeavors.

Are there any special accomplishments you've achieved after college that you might not have been able to do without your college experiences?

Nearly everything I have done after college has been helped in some way by my experiences in college. Take advantage of all experiences you come across and learn as much as possible.

What advice would you give to prospective or current Purdue students about how to make the best use of what Purdue offers?

Take advantage of all the resources and opportunities available! There are so many programs and opportunities to help you be successful. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and use the resources available to you. Also do not be afraid to try new things, college is the best time to try something new and maybe find a new hobby.