Anthony Provatas

Laboratory Manager and Assistant Research Professor, Center for Environmental Sciences & Engineering, University of Connecticut

MS 1998

Ph.D. 2002

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My son, daughter, sister, and brother-in-law are also UConn graduates which makes me super happy that I can share my UConn experiences with them.

Additional degrees & licenses received

B.S., Chemistry, 1992, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece

What is your current (or most recent) job, what does a typical day look like, and how did UConn prepare you for this role?

As the Manager of the Organics Analytical Laboratory, I am actively involved in the identification and quantitation of trace level, small bioactive molecules in complex matrices, including food, air, water, soil and biological fluids. Additionally, I am the Instructor for Chem 1189 (Introduction to Chemical Research), Chem 3189 (Undergraduate Research) and Chem 4196W (Thesis for Undergraduate Chemistry Majors) courses offered at CESE through the UConn Chemistry Department. UConn provided me with a strong knowledge base in organic and analytical chemistry to accelerate my career.

Tell us about your experience as a Chemistry student at UConn.

My doctoral dissertation title was “Light Induced Photochemical Transformations: A ‘Green’ Alternative in Organic Synthesis and Chemical Waste Treatment.” My major advisors were: Dr. Gary Epling and Dr. James Stuart.

Dr. James Stuart is my strong analytical chemistry influence. He encouraged and guided me to complete my Ph.D. degree when I needed it the most.

The most memorable experience as a UConn student was the day of my final Ph.D. dissertation defense of a challenging and interesting research.

Can you tell us about your experience post-graduation?

Prior to joining the University of Connecticut and CESE, I worked at Pfizer Inc. in Groton, CT for nine years. While at Pfizer, I was actively involved in Discovery Research, High Speed Synthesis, Purification, Analysis, and High Throughput Screening. 

What is one piece of advice that you would give to current students?

While in college seek as much experience in your field as possible while maintaining good academic performance.

Are other members of your family UConn graduates?

My son, daughter, sister, and brother-in-law are also UConn graduates which makes me super happy that I can share my UConn experiences with them.