Graduate Student Spotlight: David Sarabia
Chemistry Graduate Student David Sarabia describes his research and answers 20 random questions as part of the Graduate Student Spotlight series.
David Sarabia is originally from a rural town known as Mexia, Texas, and is a second-year graduate student in the Pentelute Lab. David’s research focuses on advancing methods for the rapid production of chemically synthesized biomacromolecules, including mirror image proteins (D-proteins) and peptide nucleic acids (PNAs). These synthetically challenging classes of biomacromolecules are valued for their unique properties, which have a wide range of potential applications.
“I chose to pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry because I love problem-solving, which can be addressed by the development of creative solutions,” said David. “Also, I want to make chemistry more attainable for individuals and communities who might not have the opportunity to discover its marvels and complexities.”
As the subject of this month’s Graduate Student Spotlight, David reveals the most interesting place he’s ever been, the people who have impressed him the most with their accomplishments, what makes his hometown special, and more!
- Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?
Floating in the sky after jumping from a plane. - What is special about the place you grew up?
Mexia, Texas is special because the community members offer you endless support and being a rural town you’re never too far away from a familiar face. - Who has impressed you most with what they’ve accomplished?
My parents have by far impressed me the most throughout my life. - What food do you crave most often?
Milk and cookies are never safe around me. - Who would be in the lineup for your ideal music festival?
My ideal music festival lineup would be Bad Bunny (Un Verano Sin Ti) , Doja Cat (Scarlet), and SZA (SOS). - What irrational fear do you have?
A tsunami hitting the east coast because I forgot how to swim as I got older. - What bit of trivia do you know that is very interesting but also very useless?
Anna Nicole Smith grew up in my hometown and went to the same high school as me. - What one thing do you really want but can’t afford?
To buy a plot of land in Central, Texas to cultivate a vineyard to make my own wine. - What is your secret talent?
I can eat an entire family pack of Chips Ahoy in 15 minutes with milk of course. - What inconsequential superpower would you like to have?
I would love to be able to have the power to bring to life whatever I imagine. - What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?
I could give a presentation over raising Yorkshire pigs for livestock shows since I was in the FFA during high school. - What’s the funniest TV show you’ve ever seen?
RuPaul’s Drag Race… the amount of shade is amazing. - If you could pick any career other than the one you’ve chosen, what would it be?
I would be a restaurant owner because I have always loved the hospitality industry and seeing people smile. - What is on your bucket list?
To learn how to swim again. - If someone narrated your life, who would you want to be the narrator?
RuPaul because I would love to hear “sashay away” as I exited a room. - What are some small things that make your day better?
Being woken up my dog, Lily, jumping on me to go for a walk every morning. Also, going for a run after a long day to clear my head. - Who are three of your favorite fictional characters?
Monkey D. Luffy, Patrick Star, and Daenerys Targaryen - If you could know the absolute and total truth to one question, what question would you ask?
Did ancient civilization encounter alien life forms that showed them how to build structures that correlated to certain constellation with high accuracy? - What’s worth spending more on to get the best?
I would spend a ridiculous amount of money on a mattress. - What food do you crave most often?
Tamales but in the winter.
