What led you to the University of Maryland?

I love Maryland as a state, and I consider it to be my home state, since I lived in Maryland during my formative years from 5-20 years old. Maryland has excellent programs in engineering, physical science, and mathematics. I turned down an offer to attend Stanford because I knew about Maryland’s excellent reputation in these fields and because I was offered a Chancellor’s scholarship. I didn’t want to create a difficult financial situation for my family, since Stanford offered no financial aid, and I was also quite young, so living away from home yet closer by so I could see my family on the weekends had a lot of benefits.

How would you describe your experience here?

I had a wonderful experience at Maryland. As a member of the honors program, I lived in the Hagerstown dormitory and had the benefit of many bright friends who were also fun to be around. My first year at Maryland was perhaps the most fun experience in my life—classes went great, my eyes were being opened to Hamiltonian mechanics, and hanging out with my new friends was just amazing. The years after that were filled with mostly studying as I worked to complete my dual degree, and the mood of the campus changed a lot and became quite somber after the tragedy of Len Bias. I’m glad to see that Maryland has since won a national championship in basketball, and Gary Williams is a charismatic leader who has done a great job with the team and has really helped Maryland.

Where do you currently work?

UCLA. I am an associate professor of chemistry and an associate professor of physics.

What does your position require you to do?

I teach undergraduate and graduate students chemistry and physics, and I have a very active research program in experimental physical chemistry and soft condensed matter physics. So far, five of my graduate students have received their PhD’s, and I regard this as the most personally rewarding part of my job. Two of them are now postdocs at Harvard, heading for great careers in research, and all of them have found jobs.

Do you enjoy your career?

I really enjoy my career. There are so many possibilities for doing interesting things that are beneficial to others and society. I left my industrial job to come back to the university where the environment was more challenging to me because of how open-ended the possibilities are. The personal interaction that I have with students is wonderful, and I feel that this is a beautiful part of the academic system. You receive from past generations, and you give back to future generations. The university life is challenging, and money is hard to find these days, but I enjoy the challenges and I wouldn’t trade the high moments of success that I and my students have shared.

What was your first job out of college?

My first job was actually when I was in college, during the summer. I was a computer salesman. I think being a salesman is a good start for anyone in this society because you need to understand more about how consumers think. It exposes you to a lot of different personalities, and this is important in any career.

What advice would you give current students? Do you remember any problems that you faced while here?

Find a quiet place where you can study and go there regularly; then hang out with your friends and have fun after your homework is done. I used to go every night to remote corners of the smaller libraries. Try every problem on your own and only talk to friends about answers after you’ve really given each problem your best shot. After studying, I would come back and play cards or watch a show and talk to my friends. I could really enjoy it because nothing was looming over my head. Find a roommate who doesn't snore—that can help a lot, too.