![](https://static.isu.pub/fe/default-story-images/news.jpg?width=720&quality=85%2C50)
1 minute read
DR. JASON BROWN ALUMNI DAY AFTERNOON SPEAKER
What did you find most enjoyable about giving your talk at the 44th Darwin Festival?
It gave me the opportunity to really think about how students have contributed to my research projects over the years. Since students have been such a big part of my work, this was a lot of fun.
What are some memories you have of working with Webb, while he was an undergraduate?
I still remember Webb telling me the first day that I met him that he was planning to go to medical school. While we worked hard and had a lot of fun doing research, Webb never lost that focus. He was also willing to do what it took to take advantage of any opportunity that might help him reach his goal. During that spring semester of his sophomore year, I suggested that he might consider coming to work with me at UMass Medical School for the summer. He very quickly rearranged his schedule and made this happen within just a couple of weeks. I know that was not easy and I have always been impressed with that move on his part.
What has changed, in your opinion, in terms of what was expected of undergraduate students when you were one, versus what we expect of our undergraduates in 2023?
I think our expectations are different in several ways, but ultimately it comes down to more ways of engaging in the field of biology. As one example, I don’t think I read a journal article in a serious way until after I graduated. Now, I see students in several different classes engaging with the scientific literature, even at the 100-level! I also think there are now more courses that give students multiple ways to practice what they are learning and different ways to show what they have learned. Most of my undergraduate courses had 2 or 3 exams and that was your course grade.
Keeping your relationship with Webb in mind, what advice would you give our students who might be considering Med School?
I would say learn the details about the process of applying to medical school as early as you can so that you can plan ahead. Realize that getting accepted to medical school may be a long process, so if you are serious about it, you may need to be patient. Finally, I think getting to know one or more faculty members quite well can be a real positive. As we worked together on his research project, I got to know Webb well enough that I have never been hesitant about advocating for him when I have the chance.