Q&A with Nathaniel Carlson
Why did you choose to attend the University of Mississippi?
The first draw was the financial aspect, but I don't think my first time seeing campus could have gone any better to seal the deal. The weather was perfect, and of course, the Grove was as well. I'm not exaggerating when I say that it was straight out of a movie, and within a couple hours, there was no doubt in my mind that this was the place for me.
The first draw was the financial aspect, but I don't think my first time seeing campus could have gone any better to seal the deal. The weather was perfect, and of course, the Grove was as well. I'm not exaggerating when I say that it was straight out of a movie, and within a couple hours, there was no doubt in my mind that this was the place for me.
What would you tell a high school student about your major? What is most important for them to know if they are interested in pursuing that field of study?
Don't overestimate the difficulty of the classes overall, but also don't underestimate the amount of work you'll be doing. The professors generally do a great job of teaching you the important stuff in lecture, but learning is supposed to be multifaceted; you've got to do your part to get it down, too! As demanding as it can be sometimes, those moments where you REALLY figure something out make it all worth it.
Don't overestimate the difficulty of the classes overall, but also don't underestimate the amount of work you'll be doing. The professors generally do a great job of teaching you the important stuff in lecture, but learning is supposed to be multifaceted; you've got to do your part to get it down, too! As demanding as it can be sometimes, those moments where you REALLY figure something out make it all worth it.
Why is your department a special place?
Just about everybody here wants just about everybody else to do well. All of the professors are so friendly and always happy to help out or even just chat. The students are the same way! You'll make great friends of the people that you'll start to see in every class, and then you'll effortlessly make a study group for everything!
Just about everybody here wants just about everybody else to do well. All of the professors are so friendly and always happy to help out or even just chat. The students are the same way! You'll make great friends of the people that you'll start to see in every class, and then you'll effortlessly make a study group for everything!
What professor or class has had the most impact on you?
As biased as it may be, my answer has to be Dr. Fortenberry, the professor I do research under. His enthusiasm is infectious, and his lectures are always fun. He knows how to give tasks that align with my interests, and has always understood when classes or such get to be too much. I owe so much of my success to his support.
As biased as it may be, my answer has to be Dr. Fortenberry, the professor I do research under. His enthusiasm is infectious, and his lectures are always fun. He knows how to give tasks that align with my interests, and has always understood when classes or such get to be too much. I owe so much of my success to his support.
What do you hope to do after graduation? What are your career goals/plans?
I really like the math side of chemistry, and I also really like research!! Those two things kind of go hand-in-hand for theoretical chemistry, so that leads to my goal of getting a Ph.D. in that and then likely academia. That way, I'll be able to keep doing research in a field I love, while also hopefully being able to give students the same opportunities and inspiration that I've been given on my way to where I am now.
I really like the math side of chemistry, and I also really like research!! Those two things kind of go hand-in-hand for theoretical chemistry, so that leads to my goal of getting a Ph.D. in that and then likely academia. That way, I'll be able to keep doing research in a field I love, while also hopefully being able to give students the same opportunities and inspiration that I've been given on my way to where I am now.
What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you’d tell your past self (about the general college experience)?
It's a fantastic idea to set yourself up early! That can take shape in many ways, but the message remains the same. Get the gen eds that you think could be most draining out of the way before you get to the “big bad major requirements” in later years! Start with research early so you can have more time to develop as a chemist (and get exposure to the concepts you'll see in class)!
It's a fantastic idea to set yourself up early! That can take shape in many ways, but the message remains the same. Get the gen eds that you think could be most draining out of the way before you get to the “big bad major requirements” in later years! Start with research early so you can have more time to develop as a chemist (and get exposure to the concepts you'll see in class)!
Need to Know More?
Ask a question by using the form below.