Siemens Scholar Seetharam Chadalavada at Nobel Laureate Meeting
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Following the lectures we had small discussion sessions in the afternoons where students traveled from one portion of the hall to another to ask burning questions that were collected during the presentations or to ask their perspective on the role of science in modern society. Some of the most interesting learning from the laureates came from interactions at the interdisciplinary panels, dinners, and coffee shop meetings where we discussed wide ranging topics such as influence of science in politics, law, and future of medicine.
While the lectures and discussions with Nobel laureates were unique, having the opportunity to learn from fellow students from all over the world was a special experience. We had the opportunity to learn about each other’s background in terms of scientific interests, cultures, religions, and political views. It was exhilarating to be around 500+ eager students and researchers who were taking in the moment of the whole week’s experience of being around the most elite members of the scientific community. Being able to witness the bridging from the current elite members of the scientific society with the next generation of scientists was an inspirational experience for me.
I was given the privilege of having this “once in a lifetime experience” of attending the Nobel Meetings because I am a Siemens Scholar. As a senior high school student, some eight years ago, I was given an opportunity to compete with young researchers from all across the country as part of the Siemens-Westinghouse Science Competition. From this initial opportunity, I was privileged to participate in this year’s Nobel meetings along with ten other students or young researchers from all the over world that were sponsored by Siemens. It is precisely these kinds of experiences that our governments, corporations, and academic institutions should continue to cultivate and support. It is only through these types of interactions with people around the globe that a culture of understanding and appreciation for our world can be cultivated. I’ve learned a lot from Nobel laureates and from young researchers, but looking back, this opportunity gave me an opportunity to learn a lot about myself in terms of my dreams, passions, and responsibilities to science and society.
Seetharam Chadalavada is a 4thyr Medical Student at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University in a unique program for physicians who want to become scientists. Seetharam was a National Finalist in the Siemens Competition in 1999.
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