LEE PYE
Special to The Leader
Dr. Lori Ana Valentín, a 2009 SUNY Fredonia graduate with a B.S. in Biochemistry, is coming back on Feb. 7 to educate current Fredonia students about her experiences. She will speak at a science writing workshop, how writing relates to every career path, including research and development, criminal casework though forensics and intellectual property.
Valentín recollected multiple memories from her time at SUNY Fredonia that have impacted both her career decisions and her ways of life, and how the campus helped her in many ways.
“I gained the tools to not just be successful academically and technically, but to define my own personal success which, for me, is giving back to my community.”
Valentín was a Keeper of the Dream Scholar. This title provided her with a scholarship and allowed her to develop skills to give back to the community. It led her to create Radiant Journey, a business where she educates future scientists and engineers with professional development and resilience building skills.
She made a note that advisor Dr. Michael Milligan inspired her to join his research group. She performed undergraduate research in his lab from freshman to senior year, and it motivated her to continue with her doctorate degree in chemistry from Binghamton University.
Valentin also recollected Dr. Theodore Lee’s biochemistry class. When Valentin attended his classes, Dr. Lee found a stray cat and asked the class if anyone wanted it, and Valentin shot up her hand. She named the cat “Arginine” after an amino acid relating to Dr. Lee’s biochemistry class. Arginine is still a part of the Valentin family today, over 11 years later.
Valentin now has seven years of experience as a forensic scientist at the New York State Police Forensic Investigation Center in Albany, NY. She worked as a criminal caseworker for three years, then was promoted to a lab management role. For this, she educated crime laboratory staff on developing new skills. Now, she is the Director of Professional Development and Continuing Education at the College of Saint Rose.
Valentin is excited to come back to Fredonia, stating, “I learned so much at Fredonia, and I am honored and humbled to be invited back and share with the community.” Valentin will be back Feb. 7 at 2 p.m. in Science Center Room 126 for Writers @ Work. Valentin will also be educating later that day at 7 p.m. in the Williams Center Room S204 and on Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. in the Williams Center Room S204.