Colin J Potter, a native of Tucson and a 2018 graduate with a double major in Neuroscience & Cognitive Science and Molecular & Cellular Biology, didn’t think about continuing his education after graduation. After graduating with a double major in 2018, he earned a master’s degree in optical sciences and will graduate in 2022. Potter immediately became an MD/PhD student at the University of Arizona College of Medicine and expects to earn both degrees in 2026.
Potter spoke to the Faculty of Science to reflect on his time as an undergraduate and how it prepared him for the rest of his academic career.
Colin J Potter
Current Position: 5th Year MD/PhD Student, College of Medicine – Tucson, Wyant College of Optical Sciences, University of Arizona, Hometown/Current City: Tucson, AZ. Read also : US dollars will now go further to the European vacation. , minor: Mathematics, Biochemistry – MS (2022) – Optical Sciences – Expected 2024: PhD – Optical Sciences – Expected 2026: MD – Optical Sciences
College of Science: How did your time at the University of Arizona and the College of Science prepare you for graduate life and your career today?
Potter: For my degree at UA CoS, I took many opportunities to pursue diverse interests in neuroscience, biology, biochemistry, and mathematics. With a strong foundation in these areas, I was able to succeed in the MD program here, as well as get accepted and have a PhD in optical sciences. My studies for a degree ensured that I had all the prerequisites to take this path and that I was well prepared for the future. I also worked in a lab, which allowed me to develop as a writer, speaker, and scientist, all of which helped with my current position.
CoS: What attracted you to the departments when you decided on your major as a student?
Potter: I initially joined the NSCS program for several reasons. I was fascinated by neuroscience. It has been and continues to be a rapidly growing and innovative field of study, incorporating diverse backgrounds into one field. I was also attracted by the unique structure of the program, which covers both the neurobiological and psychological components of this field, which I felt was important for a complete understanding of the brain. Finally, NSCS had a strong sense of community. Because it was a smaller program with an application process for entering a full major, it managed to develop a group of highly intelligent and motivated students that I wanted to be a part of. I added MCB as a second major because the requirements coincided with some courses I was interested in taking, but I was never as involved in that program as I was in NSCS.
CoS: When you look back on your time as a Wildcat, what memories stand out? Any favorite classes, labs, mentors, or research projects?
Potter: I remember some really fun experiences I had working in the lab of Dr. Anita Koshy in college. From the first time I used a microtome to section a mouse brain to my first poster presentation at the Society for Neuroscience Annual Conference, those experiences definitely stand out. I also remember two of my favorite professors and the classes they taught, dr. Lynne Oland (who created the NSCS program) and Dr. Leslie Tolbert. These professors were mentors in many ways and their classes were fascinating and interesting.
CoS: After earning your degree, what surprised you the most about how your education influenced your success?
Potter: I’ve been most surprised by how my math major has affected me so far. I added math by accident halfway through college, simply because I was interested in some math classes. Then, in my final semester of college, I decided that instead of a PhD in neuroscience, as I had originally planned, I wanted a PhD in engineering or optics. As it turned out, my PhD in optical sciences would not have been possible if I hadn’t completed a math major, as the prerequisites for the program included those subjects. Also, I was surprised how much my strong research foundation would positively influence my work to date and my success in applying to PhD/PhD programs.
CoS: What advice would you give to someone interested in an education or career in science?
Potter: I’d say try everything you can. If something interests you, just try it. There is a lot of time and freedom to try new things at the beginning of college, and you should take advantage of everything you can. If you go overboard, you can always ditch some things until you get the balance you want. My experience is that following my interests pays off. Even if the activity is not needed for anything at this point in life, it will be useful later. Mathematics is a good example of this. Additionally, finding something that excites you professionally and personally will help you choose the right career path and set you apart from your peers in the future. No one wants to hire or enroll someone who did all the “right” things but hated them all the time. Better to follow your interests and enjoy what you do. Ultimately, there is no “right” way to end up in your career, and it’s not a race to the finish either. You can try many things and change your mind several times before you land on your career, and even then you can change it. The value you bring to the table is related to your experience, expertise, tenacity, and the breadth and depth of your knowledge, not
