John Urschel is a mathematician at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology whose research focuses on numerical linear algebra and scientific computing. Before entering academia full time, he played as an offensive lineman for the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL after a college career at Pennsylvania State University.
[This interview was edited for length and clarity.]
What needs to change in American science?
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Young scientists are specializing earlier and earlier. Deep research and expertise in one area can help elevate a job candidacy. But it comes at a cost. A lot of good research happens when people can draw on tools, techniques and insights from different areas, disciplines and even fields. I hope we can encourage promising young scientists to establish strong, broad backgrounds and to communicate frequently with those outside their particular areas. Science would benefit from less hyperspecialization.
What gives you optimism right now?
Between funding cuts, rapid technological disruptions and a challenging political environment for science, it’s been an uncertain and, at times, rough few years for science. What gives me optimism is that so many people still want to direct their immense talents and energies toward research. They’re undaunted.
What’s your best advice for an early-career scientist?
Find a few problems you’re passionate about, problems that grab you and won’t let you go. It helps to have more than one because failure is part of research. Find collaborators who know more than you do and learn as much as you can from them.