91¶ÌÊÓƵ

When I was in my mid-twenties, I read James Gleick’s Isaac Newton, a 2004 Pulitzer Prize finalist about… well, Isaac Newton. I can’t recall why I chose that biography because I had no mathematical or scientific background whatsoever (I suppose I was in a biography phase); however, I can recall the profound impact that it had on me. I was astounded that someone (around) my age could invent such a revolutionary tool in mathematics: calculus. Upon finishing the book, I made it my goal to learn calculus. 

If you were to look through my transcript, you would find that my first mathematics course was MATH 950: Pre-algebra. I was happy with my placement and showed up to that first class eager to establish the foundation that would help me achieve my goal. It took a long time, but I eventually got there. Not only did I get there, but I got a perfect score on my Calculus II final and found Calculus III to be one of my favorite courses in all my undergraduate coursework. Continue leafing through my transcript and you will find that after I finished the calculus series, I stopped taking courses—I had achieved my goal. I had no intention of earning a degree in mathematics or physics.  

This changed one night in the sleep lab where I was working at the time. I performed a sleep study on a dosimetrist (an analytical member of the radiation oncology team) who, after learning about my interests in medicine, mathematics, and physics, suggested that I look into medical physics as a potential career option. I spent the entire night reading about medical physics and was reinvigorated: it was the perfect intersection of everything that I loved. So, I decided to continue my education at 91¶ÌÊÓƵ (91¶ÌÊÓƵ) to pursue a bachelor's degree in physics. 

To aspiring scientists, both young and old: You're lucky to have an amazing university with exceptional resources and people at your disposal. Take full advantage of it. Engage deeply in your courses, seek opportunities to contribute to research, join clubs, and aim for a summer research program. Nothing offers a better glimpse into the life of a PhD student than a full-time research experience.  

Now, because I’m a PhD student, I’d like to wax a little longer on research: there are nationally funded programs like the and the . Additionally, many universities offer locally sponsored programs like the program. If you’re interested in Medical Physics (hint, hint), which provides undergrads with experience in applying their skills to medicine. 

Find professors whose work excites you, and don’t be afraid to branch out and explore different fields. All of this is to underscore the research opportunities that are available to you if you take the initiative and apply. 

So, get to work!