Brian Lukaszewicz ’11, B.Sc., Honours, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Peterborough, ON   

Symons Medal Recipient

Brian Lukaszewicz has always been fascinated with the complexity and versatility of life. The fact that he enjoys studying Biochemistry as much as he loves writing movie reviews for the Trent Arthur reflects that. After a diverse range of accolades were bestowed on Brian while at Trent, receiving the Symons’ Medal for high academic standing at graduation is the crowning glory.

 

With future dreams of going to medical school and becoming a doctor, Brian is currently researching Giardia, a parasite in the intestines, in Dr. Steven Rafferty’s laboratory. Brian was attracted to the nature of biochemistry and its ability to deconstruct the complexity of life down to its bare fundamentals. Reflecting on his learning experience at Trent, Brian says, “One of the things I’ve enjoyed the most in my time at Trent is learning just how marvellously inventive and resourceful life can be.”

Brian is humbled and grateful for the impressive number of scholarships, prizes and research awards that he has earned. He took advantage of the many unique extra-curricular offerings at Trent including intramural sports. He counts the Inner tube Water Polo championship as one of the highlights of his time at Trent. He also feels that working for Arthur, alongside its talented editors, has made him a better writer. 

In addition to the great people he met at Trent, Brian is grateful for the professors he encountered, including Dr. Matthew Thompson and Dr. Steven Rafferty for their effective instruction, infectious enthusiasm and love for teaching. “It’s not lost on me how lucky I’ve been to just come to school every day and get to focus on all these new and interesting ideas and concepts,” said Brian. “There’s a certain joy to be found in just learning for the sake of learning.” Looking ahead to his bright future, Brian is considering his options. “I’d love to do something where I can have a positive impact on people’s lives.”

Awards and Scholarships received at Trent University:                         

• President Symons Medal (2014)
• Undergraduate Student Research Award (2014)
• Champlain College Master’s Prize (2014)
• President’s Honour Roll (2014)
• Champlain College Senior Tutor’s Prize (2013)
• Dean’s Honour Roll (2012, 2013, 2014)
• Graham Hartley Prize (2012)
• HJ Stanford Prize (2012)
• Trent National Renewable Scholarship (2011-2014)