Gregory Valtierra smiles in the Boston Public Garden

Gregory Valtierra

Image courtesy of the subject.

Graduate Student Spotlight: Gregory Valtierra

by Danielle Doughty | Department of Chemistry |
Categories: Research, Students

Chemistry Graduate Student Gregory Valtierra describes his research and answers 20 random questions as part of the Graduate Student Spotlight series.

“I chose to pursue a PhD in chemistry because I wanted to learn to think deeply about chemical problems and to develop the greater technical skills in synthetic chemistry,” said Gregory. “I hope that my development during the course of my degree will enable me to make more significant contributions towards the synthesis and discovery of new therapeutics.”
As the subject of this month’s Graduate Student Spotlight, Gregory shares the subject he could give a 40 minute presentation on with little preparation, the food he craves most often, the lineup for his ideal music festival, and more.
  3. What would be the worst to live in?
    The Mad Max universe would be the worst to live in.
  4. If you were on a 27 hour flight and could only watch one movie, what would it be?
    Redline. The movie is so intense that it has infinite rewartch value.
  5. What food do you crave most often?
    Probably baby back ribs.
  6. What are your top three favorite movies?
    Blazing Saddles, Princess Bride, and This is Spinal Tap.
  7. What bit of trivia do you know that is very interesting but also very useless?
    New Wave bands from the 80s have heavily influenced modern movies soundtracks. Hans Zimmer, Mark Mothersbaugh, and Danny Elfman were in New Wave bands and have done soundtracks for hundreds of movies such as Inception, Rushmore, and The Nightmare Before Christmas.
  8. Who would be in the lineup for your ideal music festival?
    Tool, Nirvana, Jimi Hendrix, Queens of the Stone Age, Kyuss, and Sleep
  9. What’s something common from your childhood that will seem strange to future generations?
    My family had a huge collection of VCRs and DVDs. We also spent a ton of time at Blockbuster.
  10. If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
    Make very elaborate meal preps that I don’t usually have time to try.
  11. What one thing do you really want but can’t afford?
    A really expensive espresso machine.
  12. What is the best vacation you’ve ever taken?
    A few years ago I went on a great trip to Barcelona with my girlfriend, Alexa. It was hot that summer, but so fun!
  13. If animals could talk, which animal do you think would be the most annoying, and why?
    I think it would definitely be squirrels. They make a ton of noise already.
  14. What are some small things that make your day better?
    When I get to the platform right as a train arrives, or getting a package a day earlier than expected.
  15. Who is the most famous person you have met?
    I got to shake hands with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar when I was in high school.
  16. Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?|
    White Sands National Park is an incredibly beautiful place and feels a lot like an alien planet.
  17. What would be the best thing you could reasonably expect to find in a cave?
    Gold would be what I’d most want to find in a cave that might actually be there.
  18. If you suddenly became a master at woodworking, what would you make?
    My own custom furniture for my apartment.
  19. What inconsequential super power would you like to have?
    I would love to be able to pick the best item on the menu each time.
  20. Where was the most amazing sunset you have ever seen?
    The sunsets in Yosemite National Park in California are incredible.