40 Under 40: Joe Spearot ’14

While it may not seem like much, my greatest achievement was deciding to step on a plane to Scotland and travel 3,000 miles away from home through the First-Year Study Abroad Experience during my first semester at Arcadia. This moment marked a purposeful investment in myself, my future, and the pursuit of fulfilling my dreams. All of my achievements since that day and all of the successes yet to come directly correspond to that leap of faith. 

Without a doubt, Arcadia has the most passionate, brilliant, and student-focused faculty and staff with whom I have ever had the honor to work. The best way that I can describe my experience is a quote attributed to Isaac Newton, “If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.” Two of these “giants,” to which I owe the world, are Dr. Linda Mascavage, professor of Chemistry and Physics, and Helene Klein, assistant dean for Honors and Accelerated Programs. 

When it came time to think about a thesis topic, Dr. Mascavage allowed me to set up a functional brewery in her organic chemistry lab. While other students were working on forensic or polymer-based research topics, I stunk up Boyer Hall with the smell of fermenting beer. She took a chance on me, and I can’t thank her enough.

Within the next five years, I hope to continue my education and research in all things related to the brewing industry and sensory evaluation. Ideally, I hope to commit the time to study for the highest and final Master Cicerone® Certification. I would love to work on additional publications and get involved with teaching.