During the opening breakfast of our Howard Hughes Research Fellows program, Dean Lee Baker reminded me and my fellow rising-2nd year undergrads that this – the opportunity to become deeply involved in research so soon in our scientific careers – is one of Duke’s greatest strengths. As a prominent research university, Duke participates in not only the sharing of scientific knowledge, but in its discovery. Accordingly, the HHRF program would help us transition from our roles as students to the very different role of a scientist – from learning to creating. For me, this would mean contributing to the field of organic chemistry in Dr. Qiu Wang’s lab rather than merely absorbing what’s already there, a prospect that I’ve been thrilled about for months now. Yet, by the end of Dean Baker’s talk, I think all 18 of us must have shared the same thought: we are so lucky to be here.
I felt a keen awareness of my own good fortune after that first meeting, and it was only reinforced by an exciting week in lab and a lovely night at Dr. G’s with my fellow fellows. I’m genuinely enjoying myself, and I feel very fortunate. Naturally, these thoughts have shaped a few hopes and expectations for the summer.
- I hope that I don’t mess this up. I can’t help but approach an amazing opportunity with a bit of trepidation, and quite a lot of uncertainty. Entering a new lab, being part of a select group of funded students, meeting many great scientists – the nature of this program simply prompts a nervous twinge alongside all of the excitement. I suppose I expect that bit of nervous anticipation to be an undertone to this summer.
- I expect that I won’t mess this up. Moving past the unintelligible cloud of musings (“’Organic chemistry is fun’ – said no one ever”), doubts (“Do I even know how to wash glassware properly?”), and wild speculations (“What if I blow something up?” “What if I blow up?”), there are standards. I expect that the standards of work ethic, respect, and scholarship that I hold myself to will certainly make this productive and successful summer.
- I hope to make lasting friends. Everyone in the program, students and program directors alike, have all been so friendly and positive. I can’t wait to get to know people better, such that we won’t only share a summer of research, but also a ton of fun, funny, and otherwise enjoyable experiences.
- I expect to make lasting connections with my mentors. Both of my parents have spent large parts of their careers in academia, so I’ve heard a lot about the value of mentorship in science. I also find it so personally generous of my mentors in the Wang lab to spend time and resources teaching me. In all frankness, I entered the lab pretty much useless when it came to their research. My secondary mentor Brett has since devoted hours to demonstrating and then watching me practice chemical techniques. (Thanks for keeping me alive, Brett!) I expect myself to make sure that my mentors’ investments in me are worthwhile, and to develop strong, positive relationships with these great scientists who I have the privilege of learning from and working with.
With that, I’m looking forward for more great weeks to come!
