Why I
Work – Hobbies and Interests:
The
financial benefits of a career in the sciences are obvious. So, why am I here? Well,
I wanted to use my talents as a
scientist to make a contribution toward alleviating suffering in the
world. Although I haven’t yet
had that opportunity (my suffering
has actually increased from the rigors of preparing for this career),
you can
see in the accompanying pages how my training is preparing me for a
career in
the pharmaceutical industry where I might be able to achieve my dream. I'm also considering an academic career because my
intellectual curiosity demands an uninhibited research platform.
Also, I strongly hope to inspire a new generation of chemical
scientists who are safe, ethical, and publish sound research results
that change the way scientists think about problems in organic
chemistry.
I firmly believe that the primary purpose of gainful employment is to furnish the financial means to enable life to be enjoyed to its fullest extent. This is perhaps better known as the ‘work to live’ maxim. I respect and admire those to whom work is paramount, but I would prefer my epitaph read “Loving Husband and Father” than have my curriculum vitae stapled to my headstone. After much introspection, I’ve concluded that the best way I can make a better life for my children is to be the loving, caring, and supportive father I didn’t have. Enough of my personal philosophy.
In this page, I thought I’d share some of my most treasured hobbies and interests to provide a glimpse of the person behind the science. Outside of the wonderful leisure time I enjoy with my wife of just over three years, I enjoy reading, working crossword puzzles, traveling, outdoor activities, golf, racquet sports, baseball, football, and poker. My musical interests vary greatly. I have loved Metallica since I can remember, and have been lucky enough to see them twice in concert. I adore jazz, mostly bebop and swing. My favorite artists appear below. Petswise, I love animals and hope to own a few dogs someday. My wife and I currently have four parakeets, each of a different color. We recently received a kitten as a Christmas present from my brother-in-law, Devin, and named her Sigma. We relish the time we can spend with family, and are fortunate to have family nearby in Greeley, CO.
Family:
My lovely wife,
Heather Marie,
and I were married in January 2003 on the 55th anniversary
of my
Grandparents' wedding. This seemed
like a perfect way for us to honor their
lifetime of love and devotion to one another. Our
engagement lasted only three weeks. Yes,
it may seem like we got married
quickly, but when you know, you know.
Three Weeks
The Consequences of
Proposing in
Snow The Future Mrs. Chamberland,
Minutes Later
Stephen and Heather
on their
Wedding Day,
January 24, 2003
Sunset from the spot
where
we were
married in Corona Del Mar, California
Pets: These are our parakeets: (left photo, l to r) Skittles (2 yrs), Lucky (2 yrs), Tiger (3 yrs), and Vera (5 yrs)
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Sitting in
High Places Relaxes Them…
…As Does the Occasional Bath…
…Or Preening
Sports:
In college sports, my allegiance will always lie with my alma mater, the Boston College Eagles
MLB: 2002 World Series Champion Anaheim (yes, they’re in Anaheim) Angels
2004 World Series Champion Boston Red Sox
NFL: 2002, 2004, and 2005 Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots
1998 and 1999 Super Bowl Champion Denver Broncos
Books
I’ve read recently:
The Seven Habits
of Highly
Effective People, by Stephen R. Covey
Harrington on Hold 'Em, Vols.
1 & 2, by 1995 World Series of Poker Champion, Dan Harrington
Band of Brothers: E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne from Normandy to Hitler's Eagle's Nest, by Stephen E. Ambrose
His Excellency: George Washington, by Joseph J. Ellis
The Wedding, by Nicholas Sparks
Who’s Looking Out for You? By Bill O’Reilly
Mutual Funds for Dummies, By Eric Tyson
Poker
Tournament Final Tables:
Mini Series of Poker at the Bicycle Casino, Limit 7-Card Stud, this was my first attempt at playing stud
Mini Series of Poker at the Bicycle Casino, Limit Hold ‘Em, my favorite tournament structure
The Bicycle Casino in Bell Gardens, CA is one of my favorite brick-and-mortar cardrooms. When I was in California, I usually played $6-12 or $8-16 limit Texas Hold ‘Em, and would join the $10-20 game on the rare occasions that one was spread. Commerce Casino in Commerce, CA is one of the largest and best poker rooms in the nation. They don’t provide any middle limit games below $20-40, so I would usually join one of the $6-12 or $9-18 limit games that they offer. California poker is known to be very aggressive, and I’ve adapted this style into my repertoire. I enjoy the camaraderie of the occasional home game, but poker doesn’t seem to be as popular in Colorado.
A Few of My Favorite Jazz Artists:
That’s it, thanks for reading!