Here’s a photo of my dad holding me when I was super little outside my childhood home at The University of Florida. Yes, I actually grew up on campus! And the other photo is of me at the pool we always went to.Read about my dad’s obsession with water.
Watch the Elemental original story here: From Bacteria to Sperm, the Fascinating World of Low Reynolds Number Flows - it is not here, however.
Watch a film I made, after my dad emailed me: “We love you and I hope you find your meaning and your love but you seem to have found your creativity and wisdom.”
In case you missed it, also check out the Elemental original story about lego microfluidics: This is not here @Boonsri
Boonsri Dickinson's Fascinating Journey to the World of Science: A Splash of Adventure and a Spark of Curiosity ๐๐ก
By Boonsri Dickinson
Growing up amidst the vibrant campus of the University of Florida, Boonsri Dickinson's life was intertwined with the world of science and engineering from an early age. Her father, a passionate and dedicated engineer, instilled in her a deep fascination for water and its intricate complexities. ๐ง
Boonsri's childhood was filled with unconventional adventures, venturing through creeks and tunnels instead of sidewalks, guided by her father's belief in creating one's own path. ๐ณ๐ฃ These escapades instilled in her the importance of pursuing one's passions and embracing the journey, rather than just focusing on the destination. ๐บ️
During her undergraduate studies at the University of Florida, Boonsri's fascination with water led her to Jason Butler's lab, where she delved into the mesmerizing world of microfluidics. ๐งช๐ There, she encountered the captivating behavior of molecules under low Reynolds numbers, defying the conventional rules of fluid flow. ๐ฌ
Despite the challenges and setbacks she faced in her experiments, Boonsri's fascination with low Reynolds number flows remained unwavering. ๐งช๐งช She found beauty in the movement of fluorescent DNA molecules through microfluidic channels, a spectacle visible only under the powerful confocal microscope. ๐งฌ✨
Her father's unwavering dedication to his work, often spending nights coding and simulating water models, further ignited Boonsri's passion for science and engineering. ๐ป๐จ๐ป She witnessed firsthand his love for his work, which transcended the boundaries of time and space. ๐
The influence of her father's career extended beyond the lab, shaping Boonsri's childhood adventures, exploring creeks, swimming countless laps, and spending cherished moments by the water. ๐๐♀️ These experiences fostered a deep connection to nature and a lifelong appreciation for the wonders of water. ๐ง
Boonsri's journey to becoming a scientist is a testament to the power of curiosity, perseverance, and the unwavering support of loved ones. ๐ง ๐ช๐ Her story reminds us that the path to scientific discovery is often filled with unexpected twists and turns, but it is the unwavering pursuit of knowledge and the passion for unraveling nature's mysteries that drive us forward. ๐✨