Why Did I Choose Chemistry: An Insider’s Perspective

My journey into the world of chemistry was somewhat serendipitous, beginning with a deep-rooted love for science during my school years.

Science as a Starting Point

Ever since I was young, I was captivated by the wonders of science. This natural inclination towards scientific subjects led me to consider pursuing a degree in medicine, which was my initial goal when I began applying to universities in the UK.

The Twist of Fate

However, life took an unexpected turn when I performed poorly on the UCAT, a standardized test required for medical school applications. Despite my bad score, I still submitted my application to medical school, which turned out to be a misguided decision. Due to the highly competitive nature of medical programs, I did not receive any interview invitations.

Universities then offered me an alternative, which I reluctantly accepted, and enrolled in a program in Medical Pharmacology. A conversation with my secondary school chemistry teacher shifted my perspective. Encouraged by her words, I reached out to the university and requested to switch to a chemistry program instead. To my surprise, my request was granted, paving the way for my current academic journey.

A Second Look and a New Journey

Reflecting on this experience, I realized that this change of choice was the right decision for me. As I entered my second year of a MChem course, I found myself thriving and thoroughly enjoying the subject. However, I understood that not everyone shared my enthusiasm, as a significant number of my classmates found the program challenging and demotivating.

Chemistry in Culture

One of my most vivid memories comes from a dinner conversation with a group of seasoned chemists who had recently given talks at a symposium. When my wife posed the question, "Why did you choose chemistry?" to the group, several of them, including myself, immediately answered, 'explosives.' The conversation that ensued was a delightful amalgamation of anecdotes about preparing homemade gunpowder and flash powder, a far cry from the safety-conscious world we live in today.

During our youth, chemistry sets were filled with actual chemicals, and ingredients could be easily obtained from local pharmacies. Unfortunately, the safety-conscious and litigious nature of our society has largely diminished these hands-on learning experiences. However, my love and fascination with chemistry during my formative years were fueled by two remarkable books by Isaac Asimov, "The World of Carbon" and "The World of Nitrogen." Although these books are now out of print, they can still be found in libraries and as used books on Amazon.

A Call to Revive Interest

My dream is to convince the American Chemical Society to sponsor a new printing of these books. As a tribute to the love of chemistry that shaped my academic career, and in hopes of inspiring future generations, it would be wonderful to make these books accessible once again.

In conclusion, choosing chemistry as a field of study was a fortunate twist of fate. While science has always been a passion of mine, it was the combination of academic challenges and hands-on experimentation that led me to where I am today. My experiences and beliefs about the importance of nurturing curiosity in the study of chemistry continue to shape my perspective, both as an academically engaged student and as an aspiring advocate for furthering the pursuit of scientific knowledge.