Question: How long have you been intererested in science and then your particular field?

Seyyed Shah answered on 11 Jun 2012:

Hello.

Thank you for your question.

I have been interested in science as a child, although I never imagined that I would end up doing research on proteins. I remember when I was five or six, reading books about insects, amphibians and reptiles. I dug up woodlice and worms, and spent a lot of time around ponds. From a young age, I knew that some of my ancestors were great scientists of their time. This inspired me to take a deeper interest in science. My uncle, who taught me a lot about insects and bugs, also had an interest in science, and it was very helpful to have someone that I could look up to and talk to about my interests.

When I went to secondary school, my two favourite subjects were English and Science. I decided that I wanted to pursue science after school because I was good at it, and I found the subjects the most interesting. Biology and chemistry were my favourites. I also liked watching Star Trek, and it increased my interest in science too.

Mind you, I have never been and don’t plan to go to a Star Trek convention. I just find some of the concepts interesting, and I like to watch some of the actors on the show.