Lecture Notes: Why Am I a Scientist?

Introduction

• Speaker: Manu Prakash, Associate Professor in the Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University.
• Personal reflection on why he became a scientist.
• Informal introduction to science in childhood.

Childhood Experiences

• Grew up in a small town called Rampur.
• Early fascination with manufacturing and tools.
• Childhood home had an abandoned lab, seen as a playground for exploration.
  • Played with scientific instruments without knowing their purpose.
  • Built a microscope using brother’s eyeglasses.

Education and Career Path

• Transition to formal education was challenging.
• In India, emphasis on exams rather than practical experience in science.
• Recalled childhood creativity during academic challenges.

Philosophy of Science

• Attraction to both exotic and mundane aspects of science.
• Importance of curiosity in understanding everyday phenomena.

Research Focus

• Studies on cell differentiation and the evolution of complex multicellular organisms.
• Highlights the privilege and responsibility of scientific curiosity.
• Aim to share scientific opportunities with more people.

Starting a Lab

• Initial challenges in setting up a lab at Stanford.
• Travel experiences in Thailand and India inspired new ideas.

Citizen Science and Mosquito Surveillance

• Developed tools for mosquito monitoring using cell phones.
• Emphasis on enabling public contribution to scientific problems.
• Example of mosquito distribution changes following events like floods.

Foldscope Project

• Development of an affordable, origami-based microscope.
• Enables broader access to microscopy, especially in underprivileged areas.
• Encourages curiosity and scientific exploration among users.

Impact and Reflections

• Personal anecdotes about sharing Foldscope with peers.
• Importance of pursuing work you are passionate about.
• Encourages listening to oneself for honest scientific inquiry.

Conclusion

• Emphasizes doing best work now with passion and rigor.
• Reflects on sharing the wonder of discovery and exploration.