Beyond the Lab Coat - Paul Berger (Tampere University)
Did you dream
of becoming a scientist as a child?
Yes! I was 6 when we landed on the moon. I immediately said I wanted to
be a scientist doing things like that. I appreciate the scientists and
engineers at NASA as much, if not more, than the astronauts who rode their
machines to space.
What
inspired you to pursue science?
I come from a family of engineers. So, it was more a matter of which
science. I took Biology, Chemistry and Physics in that order. I loved Biology,
and I loved Physics too. Probably because I took Physics last that swayed me
into my field today.
What do you
love most about being a scientist today?
One is only limited by their imagination and their perspiration to get
it done.
What’s
one myth about scientists you’d love to bust?
We’re not weak, nor or we detached from the rest of the public, like in
Dilbert. We can channel Dilbert when amongst ourselves, but we are not all
nerds. Walter White from Breaking Bad is my hero. Never underestimate “Heisenberg."
What’s the weirdest or most unexpected thing you’ve
learned in your field?
Hard to answer. The Laws of Physics predict a lot of phenomena. Perhaps,
dispersion correcting optical fiber or negative capacitance transistors.
What’s your
favorite non-science hobby?
Formerly volleyball, until injured. Now, photography, especially coupled
with travel.
Photo by Paul Berger
If
science were a movie genre, what would your research be?
All of the above. There are accidental discoveries, egos,
backstabbing, lots of drama. Deadlines and urgent needs, like Apollo 13.
What is your
favourite movie?
Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
What's your
favourite book?
To Kill a Mockingbird.