There seems to be a widespread stereotype that we STEM kids don’t know how to read. Things impossible. From my interactions with some STEM majors, I would like to cap this idea.

The “Health and Science” section of the library is often erroneously regarded as some sort of “mountain”. Sinai of knowledge”. A scientist with all knowledge conveys a tablet of knowledge in a petite and simplified form, easily digestible by the bean-brained public. On the contrary, science writing is about involving everyone in the pursuit of knowledge, whatever their chosen career path. For example, in high school, I met a veterinarian from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). hot zone by Richard Preston as a driving force in her career.Like, my roommate just finished maybe you need to talk to someone I am currently considering changing my major.

If it weren’t for the shelf of science books hidden in my town’s small public library, I probably wouldn’t be in Hopkins. It’s a book. I hope you enjoy these explorations as much as I do.

1. Killers Within

the way you say it is funny won A book, but well, I won This book was at a Model United Nations conference during my sophomore year of high school. There was a strange rationale that knowledge was more important than trophies. I think it turned out to be true.

Killers Within It covers the rise of drug-resistant microbes around the world in addition to scientists doing their best to stop it. Don’t read this if you’re already thinking about ), it’s also utterly fascinating.

As I started a new chapter in my English II class, I distinctly remember meeting a young female CDC worker investigating an outbreak in the Midwest. It seemed she could see her tapping notes on her hotel room laptop. This was one of my first “made it” moments with her. I had been interested in health science before then, but I never thought of myself as a Hommachi type. But this woman was the Chief of Staff, not the 75-year-old man. It was the same semester that I transferred from a large public high school to her STEM high school. At one point I wrote an entire love letter about the impact this book had on my life.

2. Leibovitz’s Hymn

1 year after reading Killers Within, I was assigned this book at the STEM high school I transferred to. Even our English class had a science theme.That semester we talked about the humanity behind the discoveries. frankenstein and bradberry. To be honest, I didn’t enjoy reading this book, but looking back on it today, I feel like I appreciate it the most.

This work of fiction takes place somewhere in the future 600 years after nuclear fallout has devastated modern society as we know it. A Catholic monastery has been established in the American Southwest, slowly trying to gather up some form of lost trail of knowledge. The monastery has progressed over the centuries with its surrounding society as it clashes with newly formed empires over the role of technology in warfare and medicine. As someone who has spent a lot of time reflecting on my religion, this book has helped me understand the complementary yet complex identities of being a scientist and a Christian at the same time. rice field.

3. i contain many

Audiobooks also count. I listened to this book while hiking in Park City, Utah the summer before my freshman year at Hopkins University. I had just received an infamous email from housing saying that a freshman was going to fall at home with his parents due to COVID-19. This also meant that the practical work in the microbiology laboratory could not start as planned.

favorite Killers Within, i contain many It’s about microbes. However, the tone is not very dark. Author Ed Yeung makes you engrossed in the idea that you yourself contain an entire bacterial ecosystem. The smooth narration and beautiful language describing microscopic organisms was in stark contrast to my view of the gigantic trees and rugged mountains. Books reminded me of the science around me.

Four. A heroine with 1001 faces

While this book is not explicitly a science book, I think it speaks to women scientists on a unique level. It feels bad to see it sitting on a shelf unopened for years. I’ve already taken it on 3 moves. Even though I’ll never read it from beginning to end again, I still enjoy opening it up a bit. that chapter or simply that page.

You may have heard of Joseph Campbell hero’s journey, which illustrates this idea that all heroes from Achilles to Luke Skywalker have similar story structures. . Maria Tartar responds to this not in spite of her femininity, but with her own quest for a folklore heroine to save the day.

The book explores curiosity as a trait women have used throughout history to give back valuable knowledge to their communities and ultimately seek social justice. Tartar gives countless examples, from Nancy Drew’s detective skills to the modern #MeToo movement. While science is often ‘historically’ viewed as a male-dominated field, Tartar reminds us that curiosity and discovery are also ‘historically’ feminine. It’s an activity that has been going on long before I was even admitted to the institute.Therefore, I hope it helps female scientists who need role models others Madame Curie.

I could go on longer, but I’ll end this article with the caveats these books have made. myself They fall in love with science, but they may not do the same youI’m not saying this article recommends any of the books listed above, but whether you’re majoring in biomedical engineering or psychology, I encourage you to find books that interest you in your field. Recommend. Contact a friend, browse Goodreads, or ask the staff at Greedy Reads for recommendations. You are on the verge of something new.

Ellie Rose Mattoon is a third-year student from Austin, Texas, majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Public Health.

SciPinions is intended to provide a forum for students to voice their opinions on debates in the fields of science, technology or health.The opinions expressed in this work do not represent the views of Newsletter.