YCP@Work: Anthony Gizzi, Senior Scientist

Anthony Gizzi graduated with a Biology major from York College in 2007. He is currently Senior Scientist at Autonomous Therapeutics in Rockville, Maryland.

What made you choose to pursue a degree in this field? 

I thought I wanted to be a physician, but basic research exposure at York revealed how to help people another way­––by making novel therapeutics.

How have you used your York College education since graduating?

I’ve built on my basic science training from York by completing a masters in Pharmacology, and then a PhD in Biochemistry. I now work to develop novel drug candidates for emerging viral diseases, like COVID-19 and the Flu.

What is most challenging about a career in this field? 

The constant heartbreak and setbacks when experiments fail.

What do you like best about your career?

It’s a long road to being a research scientist, but working in biopharma, there’s the possibility of creating a drug that could save lives, and that gets me really excited.

What advice would you have for a student who is just starting out in this major?

Be open to new ideas and topics, but passionate about following your interests. The fundamentals of basic science are your foundation, but sometimes boring! As a science major you’re going to learn a lot of history of science first, because science is built on the shoulders of past research. If you’re struggling to understand why you’re learning something, ask your wonderful professors for examples of how this is used or how this applies to life!