Magazine
Fall/Winter 1999

Austin Brooks '61
Norman Treves Professor of Biology
Wabash College

What is the most significant event that has occurred in your profession or field of study during the 20th century? What lesson do you take away from that event?

The elucidation of the structure of DNA by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953 initiated the field of molecular biology that today has progressed to the point that hereditary diseases are becoming well understood. I think what I see in the Watson and Crick work is that what often appear to be complex, almost unsolvable problems can be understood through collaboration and creative thinking.

Personally, what is the most meaningful life lesson you have taken from your vocation or avocation?

The life lesson I've taken from my career as a college teacher is that there is always more to learn, and that life long learning is energizing and rewarding.

My undergraduate mentor, Dr. Richard Laubengayer, had the greatest impact on me with respect to my decision to pursue graduate study in botany. Doc was energetic, enthusiastic, patient, sincere, and encouraging. These are qualities I try to carry into my classroom every day.

In your experience, what is the greatest misconception the public has about your vocation (or field of study) or the people in that vocation?

I think the greatest misconception about science and scientists is that there is no creative aspect in our work. Nothing could be less true. Every well-planned experiment is a creative endeavor.

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