It seems like everyone, myself included, has this preconceived notion that all scientists are these serious, calculating, and rational people who only believe in things that can be scientifically proven. In my experience with many biologists over the course of my studies, this isn’t the case.

I remember being in my first high level biology course. It was cellular and molecular biology. My professor was very professional, yet she was light-hearted when she taught. I remember her making jokes about proteins embedded into the membrane, and on one occasion she had the class engage in a discussion about which protein they wanted to be.

When I passed the class and moved onto my animal behavior course, I met Professor Francois, a woman who was possibly one of the kindest people I have ever met. I remember how we’d discuss social issues after class, ranging from evolution being taught in schools to fat-shaming women in our media. We talked about the coming election and how Trump may have been colluding with the Russians, and how shocking it was that he was getting away with everything that he was saying and doing. It was so casual outside of class and was part of my fondest memories of the course.

This pattern of meeting scientists who broke my stereotypes continued in every biology course I had taken.

These experiences not only shaped my view of scientists, but of myself as well. My major is biology and I hope to enter medical school where I plan on studying to be a neurosurgeon. I hope to also do research in neurology; to become a scientist. I always doubted myself, however. How could I be a scientist? I am so casual! I enjoy fantasy and comic books, I enjoy cooking, playing video games, and relaxing with friends far more than researching journal articles and doing statistical analyses. I am a person, not a scientist! This is all in the past now of course; I am still “scientist material” in my eyes.

It is a bit saddening seeing people continue to believe these odd stereotypes about scientists, mainly because I know that some of these people are intimidated by scientists and science as a whole as I once was. So it scares people away from pursuing degrees in biology, biochemistry, and chemistry, which is something to worry about! Our nation is being attacked by an anti-science administration, hell-bent on worsening our academic situation as much as the environment. The last thing this country needs is a deficit in scientists, or an intimidated public.