Jorge Acuña

“Choose Purchase if you want to explore your passions while getting real, hands-on experience in your field.”

I am a PhD candidate at the University of Pennsylvania, where I study SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID pandemic. My work focuses on determining mechanisms of viral entry and antivirals in the Cherry Lab.

My path to graduate research began at Rockland Community College, where I became interested in microbiology research. From there, I attended Purchase College through the Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) U*STAR Program. I gained hands-on experience in virology and molecular biology through independent research and a senior project that helped me hone my skills.

Since then, I have built expertise across academic research, clinical microbiology, and biotechnology consulting, with the goal of bridging scientific discovery and real-world impact.

How did earning a degree at Purchase contribute to your success?

Purchase gave me the foundation to grow as both a scientist and a thinker. I had the chance to do real, hands-on research in my undergraduate career, which taught me resilience, independence, and how to ask meaningful questions. That training not only helped me get into a top Ph.D. program, but it still shapes the way I approach challenges in the lab today.

What did you love most about your Purchase experience?

I loved how supportive the community was at Purchase. Professors were invested in my success, and I always felt encouraged to explore, take risks, and push my curiosity further. That environment gave me the confidence to pursue research opportunities I never imagined when I first arrived.

“Choose Purchase for its professors who know you by name and support your growth inside and outside the classroom.”

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