What drew you to pursue a career in science?
Nancy McQueen
Professor and Chair, Biological Sciences“I was always a prolific reader as a child and one day I read a book that was entitled something like 'The Woman in the White Coat.' The book was about a woman who was a microbiologist and who worked in a hospital lab diagnosing diseases. The white coat was a lab coat. From the time I read that book, I was determined to become a microbiologist and to work in a clinical lab diagnosing diseases.”
Crist Khachikian
Associate Professor, Civil Engineering“At some level, it was just innate. I enjoyed math and science and figuring out how things work.  You hit these walls and have to figure out how you are going to get around it. You can climb over; you can go around it  itÂs that next step into the unknown, thatÂs slightly beyond your reach, thatÂs exciting.”
Ray de Leon
Associate Professor, Kinesiology and Nutritional Science“When I was an undergrad, I wrote a [scientific] paper that eventually was published. To see my name in a journal was the coolest thing, and even though probably less than five people read that obscure little article, I knew I wanted to keep doing this.”
Krishna Foster
Associate Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry“I was a junior in college before I selected chemistry over math, physics or engineering as my major. By the time I was planning to graduate I felt like I was just beginning to learn! Pursuing a doctorate in chemistry was the next logical step. IÂve always enjoyed logical and methodical pursuits that enhance our understanding of the world around us. I enjoy teaching and investigating chemistry questions for this reason.”
Barry Hibbs
Associate Professor, Geological Sciences“My initial intent was to complete an M.S. degree in hydrology and seek employment in environmental consulting or environmental policy. While completing field work for my M.S. degree we stumbled across a problem that stymied members of our research team. I became absorbed by the problem, and with quite a bit of scientific ‘detective’ work and many weeks thinking of the problem, I solved it. After that initial experience, I was committed to a career in scientific research.”