For Dominic Santia, science isn’t just a subject — it’s a way of thinking, solving problems, and exploring the world. 

A graduating senior who studied at the PennWest California campus, Santia is earning his bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, with minors in biology and mathematics. At the same time, he’s completing an associate degree in pre-pharmacy — all while maintaining a rigorous schedule filled with research, mentoring, and leadership.  

This spring, his dedication was recognized across Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education when he was named a finalist for the 2025 Syed R. Ali-Zaidi Award for Academic Excellence. 

That recognition is just one highlight in a standout undergraduate journey.  

Last summer, Santia was selected for a National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at the University of Pittsburgh, where he worked with Dr. Haitao Liu on a project using DNA structures to create nano-textured polymer surfaces. His work explored how DNA can be imprinted onto steel, offering a more cost-effective and durable path toward medical applications like catheter tubing designed to resist bacterial growth.  

“It was rewarding to contribute to research that could have a real-world healthcare impact,” Santia said. 

On campus, Santia conducted additional research with Dr. Matthew Price as part of his senior capstone, and with Dr. Michelle Valkanas in microbiology.  

Beyond the lab, he made time to give back, serving for nearly three years as a Supplemental Instruction (SI) leader for high-impact courses like general chemistry, inorganic chemistry and calculus.  

“It’s rewarding to help students who are struggling find success,” he said.  

Santia also served as social media coordinator for the Chemistry Club, helping to organize student events and lead science outreach visits to local schools. “We want to get students interested in science early — to get them asking questions and thinking critically,” he said. 

One of the deciding factors in Santia’s undergraduate college search was PennWest’s American Chemical Society (ACS) accreditation — a mark of quality that ensures the program meets rigorous national standards in chemistry education.  

“Knowing the program was ACS-accredited gave me confidence that I’d be well-prepared for graduate school or a career in the field,” he said. “It signaled that the curriculum was strong, the faculty were dedicated, and the opportunities for research and hands-on experience would be there.”  

That confidence proved well-placed. This fall, Santia will begin a Ph.D. program in chemistry at Indiana University Bloomington, where he plans to continue mentoring student as a teaching assistant. While he’s undecided on whether his future lies in academia or industry, he’s keeping his options open — and his curiosity sharp. 

 “The faculty at PennWest gave me the freedom and support to explore whatever I was interested in. I got to do it all.”