Beyond the Lab Coat - Mairis Iesalnieks (Riga Technical University)
Did you dream of becoming a scientist as a child?
As unusual as it sounds, I never really had a dream
profession. I was always passionate about learning and enjoyed discovering new
things. I was always bored in school, so I looked for ways to entertain myself.
What inspired you to pursue science?
I would say that my chemistry teacher was always passionate
about chemistry, and she really inspired me to pursue a career, initially not
in science, but at least in chemistry first.
What do you love most about being a scientist today?
A lack of routine means you are always doing something new
and trying different things to achieve a goal. You must be creative sometimes.
What’s one myth about scientists you’d love to bust?
That all scientists wear white coats and do things nobody is
interested in. From the outside, our work may seem useless, but with science,
you never know where it can lead; one small deviation from the course can
result in a highly beneficial discovery.
What’s the weirdest or most unexpected thing you’ve
learned in your field?
Nothing is fixed, everything changes constantly, and it's
very easy to be left behind.
What’s your favourite non-science hobby?
I really enjoy travelling. I think visiting new places helps
you look at the world with a different perspective, allowing you to widen your
horizon and accept things from a new viewpoint.
If science were a movie genre, what would it be?
I think the most suitable genre would be a fantasy movie.
You never know where you can end up; the journey is unpredictable, sometimes
dangerous, but the finality is always something breathtaking.
What’s your favourite movie?
I like the Harry Potter series. I always enjoyed the
mystical aspect of it. Who knows? Maybe because of that, I like science; you
can never be sure what to expect.
What’s your favourite book?
I don’t really have one favourite book, but I really enjoy
travel descriptions. You can travel with the author to the new and unseen
locations without leaving the room.