One of the main things I admire about research is the burning passion to seek answers to questions. The field of scientific research is one that is fueled by passion, and all of the researchers who spoke to us in the past seven weeks undoubtedly conveyed their passion for venturing into the unknown and becoming more knowledgeable about their field. Whether these researchers knew from childhood that they wanted to be scientists or just stumbled upon their love for research, it is very motivating to see how much they love what they do.
For example, Dr. Nowicki’s initial goal was to become a brass instrumentalist for one of the world’s leading orchestras, until he developed his love for science after taking a biology course in college. Now, he is the principal investigator of his lab. He is currently using birdsongs as a model to study animal communication and cognition. Like the other speakers, he spoke with starry enthusiasm about his research.
I am glad that through these seminars, I got the opportunity to listen to a few of Duke’s distinguished faculty talk about their research and about how they got to where they are today. I was truly intrigued and inspired to hear about their undergraduate years and the importance of their professors and mentors in helping them develop their passions.
