Arrupe Jesuit alum Stephen Archuleta has recently reached an incredible milestone: completing his PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Colorado Boulder. His achievement is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and passion for science. As an alum of Arrupe Jesuit High School, we couldn’t be prouder of Stephen’s journey and this remarkable accomplishment.
Stephen’s journey began in Denver, Colorado, where he grew up alongside his two sisters, who also attended Arrupe Jesuit. From an early age, Stephen was immersed in a close-knit community that valued education and personal growth. With an older cousin and sister who had already attended Arrupe Jesuit, Stephen’s family was well acquainted with the opportunities that were found on Utica street and the decision to attend Arrupe Jesuit was an easy one. The small class sizes and the Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP) were significant factors in his decision-making process, and he loved the idea of a unique educational experience that emphasized both academic and professional development.
For Stephen, Arrupe Jesuit was more than just a place to receive an education- it was a community that nurtured his confidence and social skills. The supportive environment allowed him to find his place and form meaningful connections with his classmates. These friendships have endured over the years, proving invaluable as Stephen transitioned into the university life. Reflecting on his high school experience, Stephen shared, "High school is a great time to invest in your future, not just academically but also socially. Those special friendships are worth it."
The CWSP job placements played a crucial role in Stephen’s development, teaching him how to navigate professional environments and interact with colleagues and customers. These experiences bolstered his confidence, enabling him to excel in both academic and professional settings. "CWSP helped me to learn how to interact with others in a professional environment. I became comfortable asking questions when I needed help or didn’t understand something," Stephen said.
The skills he honed at Arrupe Jesuit carried over into his undergraduate years at Regis University, where he studied chemistry and math, ultimately discovering his passion for biochemistry.
Stephen’s journey at Regis University was defined by his growing passion for science. His junior year biochemistry course was a turning point, as it allowed him to combine his knowledge of general and organic chemistry within a biological context. This realization sparked his desire to pursue biochemistry further, leading him to complete an Honors Thesis on the benefits of organic solar cells for future power needs.
A year after graduating from Regis University, Stephen began applying to PhD programs in chemistry and biochemistry. In August 2018, Stephen began his PhD program at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he would spend the next five years conducting research in the field of mammalian transcription, which is the process by which genetic information from DNA is copied into messenger RNA (mRNA) within the cells of mammals. This is a crucial step in gene expression, where the instructions encoded in the DNA are transcribed so that they can be translated into proteins, which perform various functions within the organism.
During his first year at the University of Colorado Boulder, Stephen balanced his coursework with teaching assistant duties and research lab rotations. “Teaching undergraduate courses as a TA during my PhD program helped me develop my communication skills and deepened my understanding of biochemistry,” Stephen mentioned.
By May 2019, he joined the Goodrich/Kugel Research Lab, focusing on the study of RNA polymerase II, an enzyme responsible for creating mRNA copies of genes from the DNA blueprint in the genome. Stephen’s research project, titled “Investigating TFIIE dynamics in preinitiation complex assembly using single-molecule TIRF microscopy,” analyzed the binding behaviors of a protein called TFIIE, which plays a critical role in regulating RNA polymerase II during transcription.
Over the course of his research, Stephen and his team uncovered fascinating insights into the behavior of TFIIE, leading to discoveries that they plan to publish in a scientific journal later this year. His work in this area not only contributes to our understanding of molecular biology but also demonstrates the level of dedication and expertise required to succeed in the demanding field of biochemistry.
Stephen has officially completed his PhD program, and he will take some well-deserved time off to relax and recharge. His passion for research remains strong, and he plans to return to his lab to finalize experiments and prepare a manuscript detailing his key findings. Looking ahead, Stephen is exploring various career paths within the scientific community.
While he remains undecided about his exact trajectory, he is considering opportunities in industry research, particularly in pharmaceutical development or biotechnology. These fields offer the chance to innovate, push the boundaries of science, and continue growing as a research scientist. Stephen is also intrigued by the possibility of pursuing a career in medical writing or scientific communication, where he can bridge the gap between complex scientific concepts and the general public’s understanding. Another potential avenue for Stephen is bioinformatics, a rapidly evolving field that combines data science, biology, and sequencing techniques to analyze biological data.
On a personal note, Stephen is preparing for another exciting milestone: his upcoming wedding to his fiancée, Kristy. The couple met at Regis University and have been together for eight years, sharing many of life’s joys and challenges and they are eagerly looking forward to starting the next chapter of their lives together.
Throughout his journey, Stephen has been guided by the support and encouragement of mentors and educators who believed in his potential. He credits Stephan Graham, his high school chemistry teacher, with igniting his passion for chemistry and helping him prepare for his undergraduate studies. The hands-on approach and engaging demonstrations in Stephan’s class made complex concepts accessible and sparked Stephen’s interest in pursuing a career in the sciences. In a full-circle moment, Stephan Graham even shared a live stream of Stephen’s PhD defense with current Arrupe students, inspiring the next generation of scientists by showing them what is possible with dedication and hard work.
Stephen also fondly recalls the influence of his math teachers, Matt Paradise, who challenged him to push beyond his comfort zone and develop a deeper understanding of mathematics. His encouragement led him to pursue a math minor at Regis University, where he discovered a love for advanced math courses that would prove invaluable in his later studies.
As Stephen reflects on his journey, he shares valuable advice for current high school students and aspiring scientists: "As you navigate high school, remember that being true to yourself is the key to finding meaningful connections. Embrace who you are, and invest in friendships that will last a lifetime. It's through these genuine bonds that you'll find the support and confidence to pursue your dreams."
As Stephen embarks on the next chapter of his life, we celebrate his achievements and look forward to witnessing the impact he will have on the scientific community and beyond. His journey is a reminder that with hard work, dedication, and a commitment to lifelong learning, anything is possible. Congratulations, Stephen! The Arrupe Jesuit community is incredibly proud of you, and we are excited to see all that you will accomplish in the years to come!
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