by Shawn Kinney '99 PhD
Like everyone, I have had challenging times, times when the road seemed too difficult, losses too great, dreams and goals unachievable. Sometimes there are people in our lives that help us get through challenges and achieve things that we otherwise might not have. They provide encouragement, support, advice, and the push needed to overcome adversity and realize what we can be, what we should be. A great example is graduate school where a great teacher/instructor/advisor and friend can provide the support to continue and finish. Throughout my education, there were teachers/professors that provided me with needed encouragement, support and direction, some very significantly. Their contributions and influence goes well beyond their direct influence upon me or other students. Through their impact on their students, they ultimately influenced the lives of many others. Like a tapestry with interwoven threads, the influence of that teacher/professor is intricate and extensive. The famous historian and teacher Henry Adams said "A teacher affects eternity: they can never tell where their influence stops." This statement describes the legacy of those great teachers.
I entered graduate school in the Chemistry Department at UMass in 1991, as a non-traditional student much older than my contemporaries. I had significant work experience post undergrad and a family to support but some complicated personal situations made grad school that much more challenging. I worked another job through graduate school and as soon as my course work was completed, I left to pursue a full time professional job while hoping to finish my research and dissertation away from the University. At many times, I was ready to throw in the towel and leave without a degree. Dr. Peter Uden, my research advisor, provided the support and encouragement that was needed to stay the course, helping me to extend the statute of limitations and ultimately to finish my research and dissertation. He was the influence that pushed me to achieve what seemed unachievable.
Those of us that had the pleasure to train under Dr. Uden remember his bass sonorous voice, his calm, gentle, humble demeanor and slight British accent. Paternal, he would make one feel relaxed, at ease, confident and ready to take on the next challenge. I watched him mentor and help many others through graduate school. He took a great interest in all his students, their progress and provided the support necessary to ensure they completed their degrees. Many words of encouragement and persistence from Dr. Uden ensured that I finished my dissertation, graduating in 1999.
Although my professional work was only tangentially in chemistry, I believe the PhD title and training was important in my career, where glass ceilings sometimes limit one’s opportunities. Dr. Uden’s confidence in me ultimately would help me overcome many obstacles. I had a rewarding career in the pharmaceutical industry, running sterile drug manufacturing operations. Looking back upon my education and career, a few teachers and mentors stand out. In particular, Dr. Uden's support and confidence in me would in turn allow me to provide support and encouragement to the careers of many others. I have gratitude for many wonderful things but especially for the guidance and support that Dr. Uden provided. I hope that all of his students feel similar gratitude for the contribution that he has made to their lives, their careers and ultimately to the people in their lives. We will never know where Dr. Uden’s influence will end.