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Esteban Czwan, Project Administrator
Esteban CzwanThe term bioinformatics may sound like a made up term from a science fiction novel, but it is a reality that has been driving scientific discoveries about DNA and proteins. Esteban Czwan, 28 a Junior Java Analyst and Developer/ Project Administrator for I-SOL S.A. – Intelligent Solutions, is part of a growing field of scientific exploration that is using the power of computer, software, and databases to better understand the biology of our world. Esteban is using his knowledge of computer science to help scientists in other fields research and make new discoveries that have the potential to change the way we live and fight diseases. Additionally, through his work with various companies, Esteban has been able to use his expertise to explore the wide range of interests he has in other areas. Learn more about Esteban and the exciting industry he works in as we feature him as this week's Young & Professional.
Company
I-SOL S.A. – Intelligent Solutions
Website
www.i-sol.com.ar
Name
Esteban Czwan, 23, Junior Java Analyst & Developer, Project Administrator
Hometown
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Current residence
Cardiff, Wales
Education
University of Illinois- Springfield (2006) – B.S. Computer Science (summa cum laude).
Cardiff University (will begin September 2007) – M.S. Genetic Epidemiology and Bioinformatics
Work experience
Junior Java Analyst & Developer, Project Administrator (June 2006-present)
Ethnicity
¼ Italian
¼ Spanish
¼ Byelorussian
¼ Argentinean
What's your background?
I was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. As a child, I absolutely loved sports: I played soccer, basketball, tennis, volleyball, and handball. Not surprisingly, an athletic scholarship took me to Springfield, Illinois. Nevertheless, I knew from the very first moment that my career was not in sports. Last May, I received my B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Illinois at Springfield with summa cum laude honors. At first, I was interested in pure computer science (algorithms and data structures) but soon after I was more involved in applied science, working on chemometrics and robotics. But my areas of interest are quite broad. As a result, I have done some work in the communications and cognitive sciences fields. I would love to combine those fields with computer science/bioinformatics in future research projects.
As of now, I am working for I-SOL S.A. –Intelligent Solutions - holding two positions: Junior Java Analyst & Developer and Project Administrator.
What are your day-to-day responsibilities?
As an Analyst and Developer, I am in charge of developing an innovative informatics tool designed for the drug and food industries. Day after day, I design and implement software modules and document every single addition/modification.
As a Project Administrator, I am currently working on incorporating bioinformatics as one of the activities that the company offers in terms of consulting services. I am also part of the board that defines policies for the development and commercialization of software.
Most notable achievements
Graduating from college with summa cum laude honors (2006).
Receiving a Cancer Research UK Masters’ Bursary Award (2006).
What's your niche?
I am a risk-taker and I always tend to explore the “unexplored”.
What's in store for the future?
While continuing to work for I-SOL abroad, I will be getting a M.S. in Genetic Epidemiology and Bioinformatics at Cardiff University in Wales. As stipulated by the bursary award, my research area will be in the cancer field, helping understand the genetic control of the very early stages of cancer.
Unexpected learnings along the way
Living abroad is a life-changing experience. It has helped me become incredibly independent as well as appreciate the importance of a loving family.
Who would you like to be contacted by?
Young people from any background with an amazing eagerness to succeed in life, with little concern about making money. Also, professionals in the field of bioinformatics and/or biotechnology who strive to become pioneers of the future bio-tech generation in Latin America.
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Best way to stay ahead
Never fall behind. But if you do (as we all do), get up and fight until you get back where you belong.
“We are all citizens of the world. Don’t let borders intimidate you.” Guiding principle in life
We are all citizens of the world. Don’t let borders intimidate you.
Yardstick of success
Hard work.
Goal yet to be achieved
Doctorate Degree.
Best practical advice
Travel. You will learn more than at a lecture hall.
Supportive words from a family member or friend on your venture
“Don’t worry about money, if you do what you like and work hard, it will eventually come” (Daniela, a cousin of mine).
Most memorable business experience
Getting my first professional job!
Mentor
Dr. Hei-Chi Chan, a truly inspirational man.
What motivates you for success?
Looking back at all I’ve accomplished and dreaming of what’s yet to come.
Like best about what you do
My discipline and commitment.
Like least about what you do
People in my field are very reserved; somehow frightened to socialize (I am quite the opposite!)
At age 10, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A pilot. I wanted to fly away to exotic places around the globe.
Biggest pastimea outside of work
Mostly spending hours and hours planning my future trips (The next ones in line are Russia, Spain, and Italy).
I also love watching good movies, either at home or at the cinema.
What was your first job?
A summer sales position at a toy-store. I was 16 and the pay-check was around 300 dollars. I hated it, mainly because I had to get up very early.
Person most most interested in meeting
The U.S. President. In an informal talk, I would love to listen his understanding of foreign affairs and his vision of the world in 50 years.
Three interesting facts about yourself
1. I am a citizen of both Argentina and Poland (and no, I don’t speak Polish!).
2. I plan on retiring early and setting up a multilingual elementary school.
3. Living in the middle of the Amazonian jungle for some time (a year or so) is one of my dreams.
Three characteristics that describe you
1. Ridiculously funny.
2. Hard-worker.
3. Extremely curious (and nosy as well!).
Three greatest passions
Travel. It’s amazing to get to know other countries and cultures. A wise professor once told me that you don’t know your own culture until you experience a different one.
Cooking. I love cooking, but not the everyday essentials. Rare and elaborated meals are my weakness.
Foreign Languages. My goal is to speak fluently four languages: I am fluent in Spanish and English and I am currently studying German. I haven’t decided which one is next, maybe Portuguese or Italian. An aborigine tongue, such as Quechua or Aimara, would be terrific, but quite improbable.
Favorite book
El Principito (Le Petit Prince, 1943) by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. A book that every child in Argentina reads in elementary school but you can read it several times throughout your life and draw different meanings and lessons every time.
Favorite cause
Justice.
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