The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
What is your hometown?
Williamsburg, IA
How or when did you become interested in science and genetics?
I first became interested in science as little kid watching “Mr. Wizard’s World” on Nickelodeon every day. I would try to repeat a lot of the things that he did on the show. I was always fascinated with the things he did and the underlying mechanism of how they worked.
How or why did you choose the University of Iowa to complete your doctorate degree?
The University of Iowa offers a wonderful opportunity to participate in interesting and influential research. It is a well respected institution in the field of cardiovascular biology and that was an area I wanted to pursue. It is also a big plus being close to family and friends.
Is there a teacher, mentor or University of Iowa faculty member who has helped shape your education?
There are three individuals who have shaped my education. First as an undergraduate, Piper Wall and Charisse Buising at Iowa Methodist Hospital and Drake University in Des Moines gave me my first opportunity to get involved in research. They were instrumental in getting me hooked on research and teaching me how to approach specific questions. Now, my mentor Curt Sigmund has greatly impacted the way I critically analyze my work. He has really influenced my ability to think like a scientist.
What kinds of opportunities or advantages does being a doctoral student at Iowa provide? What about challenges?
Iowa has provided me with a very close-knit, yet diverse community. No matter what problem arises during the course of doing my studies, it is a good bet that someone at the University will be able and willing to help. Additionally, Iowa has a variety of resources available to carry out solid and successful research projects. The University has also exposed me to cultural diversity that I would not have experienced in small town Iowa, which has had a tremendously positive influence on me.
Please describe your professional goals and interests?
My goal is to remain in academia and cardiovascular research. I love looking at a complex question in the context of a puzzle in which you have to fit multiple pieces together to find an answer that will impact people’s lives.
What are some of your outside interests?
I spend most of my time with my wife, Jen, and daughter, Ava. Because I read so much for research, reading for leisure is something I enjoy, especially about United States and world history. I also like to work around the house making home improvements. I grew up a Hawkeye, so I love to go to Iowa football and basketball games.
Do you have an insight or philosophy that guides you in your work?
Be a pessimistic optimist. Research can be difficult and there are times when it seems like nothing goes right. You have to remain determined and positive to get through those periods. Approaching your work with a certain level of pessimism is important to achieving a result that will hold up to scrutiny from others in the future.
If you could change one thing about the world (or the world of science), what would it be?
Right now, I would change the view that many people have of scientists. Many times, we are portrayed as geeky, nerdy, or anti-social. I think that these images sometimes turn people off of science.
What one piece of advice would you give to students who are interested in applying to a PhD program?
Find programs that are diverse and fit your areas of interest. Umbrella programs like the Biosciences Program here at Iowa allow you to sample opportunities from a variety of areas. This allows you to pursue an area that interests you and perhaps discover another that you enjoy even more. It really makes it easy to find a field of research that you will find rewarding.
What do you see as "the future" of research and medicine?
The future of research and medicine probably resides in our ability to identify and/or target specific tissues or molecules. This could greatly alleviate many of the side effects experienced with some therapies.