Career Roadmap
Brian's work combines: Science, Medicine, and Problem Solving
See more careers and stories that connect to your interests.
Take Roadmap Quiz
Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
SUNY College at Buffalo
Doctorate
Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology/Technologist
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists:
Bachelor's Degree
Graduate Degree
Doctorate
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
I've taken a lot of twists and turns
1.
I had no idea what I wanted to do in high school, so I joined the Marines.
2.
The military wasn't for me, so I found a way to get out of it thinking the worst of life was over.
3.
Enrolled in community college to finish my high school education and become a master chef.
4.
Realized I really didn't like working in kitchens and changed my major from food service to Business.
5.
Had a business teacher that really encouraged me to go into engineering or science.
6.
Completed several science and math classes and transferred to a local university.
7.
Upon finishing my BS in medical technology, I was asked if I wanted to join a research lab.
8.
Decided I really like research and continued on to finish by PhD in Immunology at UNC Chapel Hill.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Friends:
You should pick a college major that will lead directly to a good or well paying job. That having a good job was the most important thing. While a good job is certainly important, it's not everything. If you don't like or love what you do on some level, you're in for a long and mostly miserable existence. People said studying anything in the humanities was a waste of time and money. It's turned out to be the opposite really.
How I responded:
I bought into it at first and did in fact pick (and complete) a major that can provide a nice job performing medical testing in a clinical laboratory. But along the way, I was required and encouraged to take additional electives in things like theater, cultural anthropology and literature. It was the things I learned in those classes that I've used much more in everyday life, and that have provided an invaluable perspective on the human condition we all share. This has meant the world to me.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I came from a family with little means, and had to work part time (or more) jobs all though college. thinking back on it, it was quite hard and I just had to be so determined. Not sure where I found the energy.