Are you left-brained or right-brained? Most of us recoil from the idea of being either unidimensionally unemotional and calculating or scatterbrained and artsy. In 2013, a group of neuroscientists debunked the pop culture notion of right and left brained people indicating that nature, indeed, favors a balanced mind. The most successful scientists are those who think analytically <i>and</i> creatively. Scientific research requires cognitive flexibility to integrate newly published information into cohesive units with meaningful take-aways and imagination to apply that knowledge to the specifics of your own scientific pursuits. By embracing and following your own unique interests, you can build up a personal body of knowledge which opens your eyes to possibilities that others may not see. This has been the case in my own career as a biochemist which has been greatly influenced by my fascination with early childhood development, women’s health and food. Personal interest fuels the creative thinking that fosters discovery and joy in research.

Personal interest fuels creative thinking

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.