Behind the Test Tube: Q&A
Benjamin Partridge—Assistant Professor
What do you like to do when not in the department?
I grew up in Hull, a port city in the north-east of England. It’s been incredible to see how much it has transformed over the past 20 years – last year it made National Geographic’s list of must-visit destinations!
Why did you choose chemistry as a career?
I’ve always been fascinated with tinkering and building things, but the big moment came during a ‘chemistry camp’ when I was 15. We made a small batch of (very crude, likely toxic) aspirin, and it blew my mind that a high school student could make the kind of drug you’d find on a pharmacy shelf. Plus I was fortunate to have several really superb high school chemistry teachers that stoked that passion.
What is your proudest accomplishment while at the URochester?
So far, I take most pride in my group members and how much they have all grown and developed as scientists since joining my lab. I’m excited for the great things they’ll do in the coming months and years (watch this space!)
What do you like to do when not in the department?
Nothing especially interesting, I’m afraid – I like to spend time with my family, enjoy cooking and traveling, and am a big TV fan [much more so than movies]. I’m also working my way through our region’s many wineries and breweries.
A Rochester must?
My wife, Alex, suggested Amazing Grains, a delicious bakery out in Fairport where we live. For me, I like to take visitors to the rooftop of the Genesee Brew House on a summer day, looking out over High Falls and the recently reopened Pont de Rennes. Followed by Dogtown for a garbage plate, of course!
Feast/meal of the times? Details, please!
It is hard to beat a Full English breakfast – sausage, bacon, mushroom, tomato, fried bread, eggs, hash browns, black pudding and, of course, baked beans. Paired with a strong cup of tea, it’s a rare treat but always a must-do when I’m back in the UK.
An inspiring book/movie /show? We are really curious as to why!
I really love the musical Come from Away – as well as a fantastic musical score, I think it’s a powerful reminder of the resiliency of ordinary people in the face of adversity and the collective strength of community in difficult times.
A holiday that rocks? Care to tell us why?
My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving – it’s a time to get together with family and enjoy some delicious food without worrying about the stress of Christmas shopping!
Care to share about a special tradition in your family/town/country?
My wife’s family has Greek heritage, and so every year at New Year (which coincides with my birthday), she’ll bake a large spanakopita, hidden within which is a small coin wrapped in foil [a fluori]. Whoever finds the coin is assured a year of good fortune and health!
Fun fact or quote:
I’m a huge Eurovision fan and haven’t missed watching the annual contest in over 20 years.
Ask me about…
All things transportation, my toddler son Ollie, visiting London, and British TV comedy (especially Taskmaster).
The goal of this initiative is to highlight the diversity of backgrounds and perspectives in the Department of Chemistry and help our community develop stronger connections and synergies. You can think of these spotlights as the beginning of a conversation that we very much hope you will continue in the corridors of Hutch and beyond.
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