Rustin Golnabi, B.S. 2015
What sparked your interest in materials science?
In high school, I was lucky enough to have found an inspiring mentor in my Chemistry teacher. He had majored in Materials Science in school and even taught an elective course on nanoscale materials science. I realized during that class and from my teacher’s passion that this was something I would truly enjoy learning more about.
Why did you choose Hopkins?
Hopkins heavily emphasized its focus on research and undergraduate opportunities to get involved. I was pretty sure that I would want to start research early, and Hopkins seemed like the best place for that (and it was!).
What was your favorite class in materials science?
My favorite class both in materials science and in general at Hopkins was Structures of Materials taught by Professor Hufnagel. It was probably the most challenging course I’ve taken at Hopkins, but it was the first time I had found myself so interested in the material that I was able to study hard and often do better than I had anticipated. Professor Hufnagel was an excellent lecturer and I feel that I have learned and retained more material than in any other course.
Did you participate in any extracurricular groups?
Yes! I experimented with a few different groups freshman and sophomore year, but I ended up most involved with the Iranian Cultural Society and The Visionaries, a group dedicated to raise awareness and volunteer for low-vision/blind patients. We work in conjunction with the Foundation Fighting Blindness, who supports research in these fields, and we volunteer with the Wilmer Eye Institute to provide support for low-vision patients. I was really drawn to the group because of my personal connection: Retinitis pigmentosa, a retinal degenerative disease causing blindness, is hereditary in my family and my dad is a patient.
What are your plans after graduation?
I am entering a Ph.D. program at Northwestern University, in the Materials Science department. I’m not 100% sure what I will be doing after that, but definitely a career in nanomaterials research!
What will be your favorite memory from your time at Hopkins?
My favorite memory would have to be the collective moments in the spring, when the weather is nice enough to have picnics on the beach and enjoy Spring Fair. Everyone around campus is generally so happy.