When I first entered Dr. Gokcumen’s lab, I carried with me a heavy bag of naivety. I did not grasp the significance of basic science—a misconception that politicians and much of the general public often share. Why dedicate an entire career to studying a single protein? What’s the point of conducting experiments on fruit flies, worms, or yeast? How does any of this relate to curing human diseases?
Over time, Dr. Gokcumen enlightened me, dispelling this misconception. However, one particular encounter reshaped my perspective on applied versus basic science. He shared with me the story of the Manhattan Project, where Oppenheimer led America in a race against Nazi Germany to develop the first nuclear weapon during WWII—a story that many now recognize, thanks to Christopher Nolan’s recent movie “Oppenheimer.” The movie effectively portrays how the initial collaborations across institutes transformed science in the U.S. Yet, it fails to depict the decades of research invested in comprehending quantum mechanics, atomic theories, and the cumulative contributions of countless basic science endeavors. These efforts supplied the smaller puzzle pieces essential for the eventual success of the Manhattan Project.
This saga exemplifies the intricate layers of research, ranging from the foundational principles of science to the grand applications that capture headlines. Understanding the essential role that basic science plays in paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries reshaped my outlook entirely. Dr. Gokcumen’s insights not only broadened my perspective on scientific research but also solidified my commitment to contribute to the scientific community, one puzzle piece at a time.
