Meet Alex Thurston, a proud military-connected student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign who is turning inspiration into action—one experiment at a time.

Alex is currently studying chemistry, a path sparked by an incredible AP Chemistry teacher at University High School who first introduced him to the wonders of the lab. That early exposure lit a fire, and now he’s fully immersed in the world of molecules, reactions, and research. At UIUC, he’s actively involved with the American Chemical Society, the American Medical Student Association, and conducts undergraduate research in organic chemistry.

When he’s not in the lab, Alex finds joy in running and reading—he’s currently deep into the pages of Game of Thrones. Whether it’s pushing himself on a long-distance run or navigating the political intrigue of Westeros, Alex is always up for a challenge.

His commitment to excellence and service is part of a proud legacy. Alex’s parent served with distinction in the U.S. Army, joining in 1985 and serving in elite units including the 82nd Airborne Division and 5th Special Forces Group during Operation Desert Storm. After transitioning to the Army Reserves and later the Illinois National Guard, his parent deployed again during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan in 2002, retiring in 2006 after more than two decades of service.

Looking ahead, Alex hopes to continue serving others by pursuing medical school, ideally right here in Illinois. His academic passion, paired with his deep respect for service, make him a remarkable member of our campus community.