Chris Liczner
Valedictorian and Governor General Gold Academic Medal winner
PhD
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Liczner’s research focused on developing new methods to prepare oligonucleotide conjugates, which have applications as therapeutic and diagnostic agents.
“I'm currently utilizing the expertise I gained during my graduate studies as a Research Scientist in Oligonucleotide Chemistry at The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson in San Francisco, California.”
What would you say are three keys to a good education?
Don’t be afraid to say you don’t know something. This humbling exercise will then guide you to fill in the gaps in your knowledge.
Keep your mind open to the perspective and criticism of others, as well as to new knowledge that may contradict your own.
Good education is achieved in a safe environment, where questioning the status quo is welcomed.
What are two lessons you learned at Concordia?
Collaborations are the key to overcoming any challenge. Asking for help is half the battle.
Work-life balance is of the utmost importance. You are not just your job. Focusing on our work excessively can bind our identity to the job, which will constantly keep us in crisis mode as failure is inevitable.
What’s one piece of advice you have for graduates?
Be prepared that the grass may not be greener on the other side. Newer challenges will always exist beyond the one you just surpassed. It’s important, as much as possible, to enjoy your journey at all times, no matter the outcomes or circumstances.
