MolSSI Software Fellow: Tucker Burgin
Tucker Burgin, one of our current MolSSI Software Investment Fellows (and former Seed Fellow) is currently completing his PhD at the University of Michigan under the direction of Prof. Heather B. Mayes. He is working with Dr. Sam Ellis on building software tools for understanding and evolving enzymes in silico guided by unbiased, all-atom simulations
How did you first become interested in molecular science?
My interest in molecular science was borne out of my interest in simulations. The potential to understand physics on a scale too small to observe with conventional laboratory techniques quickly captured my imagination!
How are you benefitting from being a MolSSI Software Fellow?
My time as a MolSSI Fellow has provided me with the opportunity to learn and practice invaluable scientific software development skills, the absence of which would’ve severely hindered my growth as a scientist.
Describe your engagement with your MolSSI Software Scientist mentor.
My mentor Sam Ellis has been an invaluable resource for my continued education in software science, as well as for learning to approach scientific problems from a software perspective.
What are your long-term career plans?
I hope to pursue a career in academia.
Do you have any skills or talents that most people would not know about?
One slightly unusual skill of mine is that I can understand and communicate in Japanese at an intermediate level!
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
One of my proudest accomplishments has got to be the level of success I’ve found so far in my academic career, after struggling for so long with academics before college. It’s hard to believe, but I was a C-average student in high school!
What are you happiest doing when you’re not working?
When not working, my favorite activity is playing with my dog, Fox!
What’s a goal you have for yourself that you’d like to accomplish in the next year or two?
As I’m transitioning out of graduate school, my biggest aspiration for the next couple years is to complete a successful postdoc experience, and then to begin a professorship!
Message from readers to readers:
After research, my second greatest professional love is being a helpful resource for others. I want to thank MolSSI for extending their spirit of education and collaboration to me, and I hope to pass on what I’ve learned to others.