Science, Soccer and a Sense of Home
Vincenzo Randazzo '26 presents original research at the American Chemical Society's spring 2026 conference.
Student Snapshot: Vincenzo Randazzo '26
Vincenzo Randazzo ’26 is the first in his family to pursue higher education, and he’s making the most of the opportunity as a standout student-athlete, peer tutor and mentor and student-researcher who recently presented original research at a national scientific conference and completed a sports-medicine internship. Below, Vincenzo discusses what brought him to Dickinson; the close connections that have helped him achieve in class, in the lab and on the playing field; and his plans to become a physician-scientist.
Hometown:
Hunterdon County, N.J.
High school:
Delaware Valley Regional High School.
Major:
Biochemistry & molecular biology.
On choosing Dickinson:
Competitive athletics opened my eyes to the many opportunities available to me here. At Dickinson, I’m able to explore my interests in STEM and pursue a degree in biochemistry & molecular biology while also competing as a student-athlete, and the small class sizes and welcoming faculty have allowed me to develop meaningful connections with my professors.
Best thing about my Dickinson experience:
The many opportunities for growth. There is plenty of space on campus to ask questions and explore interests you didn’t know that you had! This exploration of fields beyond your major makes you a more well-rounded student.
Best thing about my major:
The faculty. Everyone I have met is so welcoming and willing to help support your growth as both a student and an individual.
Favorite class/learning experience:
One of my favorite learning experiences here on campus has been through my participation in collegiate athletics. My experiences of developing strong connections with my peers and fighting for a common goal has further shaped the personal qualities I carry today. Sharing the field with a group of athletes I view as a second family is an experience I will cherish for years beyond Dickinson.
Favorite professor:
This is a tough question for me, because I strongly believe that Dickinson faculty have molded me into the student I am today. However, Assistant Professor of Chemistry Miguel Leal has supported me the most in reaching my individual goals and professional dreams and aspirations. From being a student in his chemistry lectures to now conducting student-faculty research with him, Professor Leal has taught me the various pathways of scientific exploration. More important, he has taught me what it means to learn from mistakes and how to use setbacks as areas for growth in research and development.
On being a first-generation student:
I am the first one in my family to pursue higher education. It can be difficult to pave the way for generations to come in your family, but I’m grateful that the friends and community here at Dickinson have helped me find my sense of belonging.
Post-Dickinson plans:
I plan to earn my M.D./Ph.D. and ultimately pursue a career as a physician-scientist.
About my internship:
As an orthopedic sports medicine intern at Atlantic Health, I gained firsthand clinical experience in patient care, conducted pre-participation physical exams for athletes and learned various surgical techniques. I also had the opportunity to present a case study and a research proposal to the Sports Medicine department. This has been such a formative experience for me. It not only reinforced my passion for a career in medicine but also taught me the importance of delivering quality patient care.
About my research:
My projects focus on organometallic chemistry synthesis. I am working on synthesizing sulfonamides, using sulfur-fluoride exchange chemistry. Sulfonamides are a class of biologically active molecules known for their medicinal properties, with derivatives used to treat a broad range of conditions, including diabetes, bacterial infections, high blood pressure, inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis and certain cancers, such as T-cell lymphoma.
In March, I presented my research at the American Chemical Society's spring 2026 conference in Atlanta, Georgia. I had a great time. I had the chance to meet very famous chemists from all over the world and learn more about the discipline through talks and other presentations.
Clubs and organizations:
Dickinson College NCAA men’s soccer team, Trendsetters organization for first-generation students, Quantitative Reasoning Center (associate, organic chemistry) and Pre-Health Society.
Honors/scholarships/awards:
2025 International Order of the Curved Arrow, 2025 & 2026 Barry Goldwater Scholar Nominee, 2024 & 2025 Centennial Conference Fall Academic Honor Roll, 2025 Men’s Soccer Centennial Conference Champion and Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society.
Most important thing I’ve learned so far:
There are many avenues to get you to where you want to be.
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Published April 10, 2026