Career Choices and Research Perseverance

The speaker advises students to pursue careers that bring happiness rather than just financial gain. He shares his own experience of rejecting high-paying oil company jobs to pursue impactful research. His work on stopping blood vessel growth faced initial skepticism but eventually led to significant scientific advancements. Despite early career challenges, persistence paid off, highlighting the importance of not giving up easily.

What does the speaker suggest students prioritize when choosing a career?

• Financial security

• Popularity

• Happiness

• Job offers

In the 1970s, what industry offered the speaker numerous job opportunities?

• Education

• Technology

• Healthcare

• Oil

What was the main focus of the speaker's research with Judah Folkman?

• Increasing petrochemical yields

• Stopping blood vessel growth

• Developing new polymers

• Improving fuel efficiency

What was the initial reaction of the scientific community to the speaker's polymer system?

• Enthusiasm

• Skepticism

• Immediate acceptance

• Indifference

What was a major challenge in developing the bio-assay?

• Finding funding

• Slow growth of blood vessels

• Lack of interest

• Competition from other researchers

How did the speaker's initial grant applications fare?

• Some were accepted

• All were rejected

• None were submitted

• All were accepted

Which department did the speaker eventually join after facing rejection from chemical engineering departments?

• Physics

• Biology

• Nutrition

• Mathematics

What does the speaker emphasize as important when facing challenges in research?

• Giving up quickly

• Perseverance

• Changing fields

• Ignoring feedback

What does the speaker reflect on regarding his decision not to give up?

• Confusion

• Indifference

• Gratitude

• Regret

What might have happened if the speaker had given up on his research?

• He might have given up on other important things

• He would have found a better job

• He would have faced less criticism

• He would have been more successful