Ordinary Folks Doing Extraordinary Things

by David Denlinger | Department of Biology | Utah State University

[dropcap]E[/dropcap]veryday when we wake up, whether we recognize it or not, our lives are inspired by science: not being crippled by polio or smallpox, the food we eat, the vehicles that get us places, the clothes we wear, the technology that helps us get our jobs done, and the media we use to interact with others.  All of these things have made our lives healthier, safer, more productive, and more enjoyable.  Science is so diverse because there are so many aspects to our world and beyond.  But, what excites and inspires me about science is the even greater diversity of people doing science! Everyone is a scientist in their own way, each of us making our own discoveries to better our global society.  Science is more than the extremely bright individuals we read about in school; science is done by each of us.  I have been inspired by the diversity of those we label “scientists” whom I’ve met over my academic career.  I am inspired by the teachers, at all levels who arguably have the toughest job in the world, who tirelessly fight to educate and inspire the next generation.  I am inspired by the recent #ScienceMarch and the global effort to uplift knowledge and progress.  I am inspired by the scientific and technological advances that I have seen in my lifetime, and I am excited to see where science is heading in my lifetime and beyond about advances that I cannot fathom.  How do we keep being inspired? We need to foster grandiose thinking, big questions, new ideas, failure and trying again, active communication, and people who envision a collective good for us fellow humans.

Utah State University Department of Biology | Learn More

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Featured Image is by Jeff Rowley | Flickr | Some rights reserved

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