Larry Margerum
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I am an early retired professor of chemistry. My speciality was chemical eduction research and analytical chemistry. I used group learning/coaching methods in all my courses (general, analytical and inorganic) with emphasis on critical thinking/study skills in class and labs. I advised many, many students on careers in science
Larry’s Career Stories
When you were a student, did you do anything outside of school to build skills or get knowledge that has helped your career?
I volunteered to do lab work/research for a professor in the summer at the urging of my chemistry TA. Best move every to find out if you like lab work and exploring unknown areas. This made me understand that I knew very little practical chemistry and that I needed to apply to graduate school to learn even more.
What is the most useful piece of career advice you got as a student, and who gave it to you?
A professor of engineering at my local university agreed to speak with me as a HS junior. His advice for going into any science field=take as many math classes as possible! Good advice even if you don't "like" math, because "Things we don't like, we don't understand"---Your goal is always to understand as best you can and funny thing is you may start to like "it".