Spotlight on Integrated Science Curriculum Student Christopher Lee

Reflecting on the Program . . .

What are you majoring in?

Clinical Neuroscience

What, specifically, drew you to enrolling in ISC?

My junior year of high school I visited the second cohort and the way the curriculum was taught and run made me want to participate in this new way of learning.

What about the program exceeded your expectations?

The professors. The classes were small enough that they could and would all take the time to help us.

What surprised you?

How easily all of the different topics integrated, and how the “big picture” made so much sense at the end.

Describe an experience you had in the program that stands out.

The fourth semester where we were able to make our video project describing the science of the superhero The Flash. We got to have so much fun making a video that both my partner and I really enjoyed.

How do you think ISC differs from traditional science classes?

The size makes it much more personal than most of the big lectures, and I know it’s in the name but the way the sciences are integrated gives a better understanding of how everything comes together. I feel like I have a broad understanding of how the sciences at their bases fit together.

Do you think you are better prepared than your fellow classmates for upper-level courses?

I do, we were given hands on lab experiences that many of our classmates did not have, as well as an expectation of comprehension that can’t really be achieved in a large lecture hall.

Have you participated in undergraduate research? If so, what was the project(s)? How did your ISC education inform how you approached the project?

I was invited to work in Dr. Bevan’s lab on Alzheimer’s I do not have a specific project yet.

Impact of ISC on Work and Life . . .

Can you speak to your experience in ISC as it has shaped the way in which you approach problem solving?

ISC has taught me the way that I learn and the way to persevere when it does not seem possible.

What career path do you hope to follow?

I hope to go to Medical school through the Navy and then become a neurologist.

Barring any and all obstacles, what impact do you ultimately hope to have on the world?

I want to be able to make life better for people who suffer from different neurological diseases; specifically Alzheimer’s and PTSD.

Can you speak to the overall impact ISC has had on you as student? As a person?

As a student ISC has really taught me the way that I study, and understand different classes. As a person it gave me the confidence and perseverance to accomplish anything that is put in front of me.

What has been the highlight of your Hokie career so far (your answer can have everything or absolutely nothing to do with ISC)?

I got engaged this past thanksgiving break I’d say that was pretty much the best thing to happen to me since I’ve been here.

Anything else you would like to add…

ISC was probably the hardest thing I’ve done as a college student and there were plenty of times that I didn’t think I would make it through. But by the end of it I didn’t want to leave. ISC was difficult but what it taught and the experiences it gave, made it all worth it.