Having it All
Photo by James Rasp.
Peter Howard '15
Peter Howard ’15 is a member of the track and field team (shot put, discus and javelin), a scholarship and fellowship recipient, and an accomplished pianist/vocalist with plans to become a surgeon. He discusses the courses, professor and experiences that placed him on track to Duke University School of Medicine; the book that fueled his interest in medical research; his internships in high-tech chemical formulation and cancer research; what his perfect world would sound like; and the life lessons that taught him that with hard work and integrity, you really can “have it all.”
Majors:
Chemistry and biochemistry & molecular biology.
Clubs and organizations:
Men’s varsity track and field (indoor and outdoor), The Octals a cappella group, performance studies and chamber music, Paintball Club and Alpha Lambda Delta.
Favorite book:
Cancer: The Emperor of all Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee.
Favorite movie:
V for Vendetta.
Honors/scholarships/awards:
John Dickinson Scholarship, Patton Memorial Scholarship, Dean’s List, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute’s summer retreat (second-prize winner for science-poster exhibition, 2014), two-time Klionski Fellowship awardee (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center), Centennial Conference All-Academic team, student representative to chemistry faculty.
As a kid, I wanted to be …
… a doctor (since age 3, and it hasn’t changed).
On choosing a major:
I have always been interested in chemistry, and at first, it was my only major. As I took more biology classes, I became enamored with biochemistry as well.
On choosing Dickinson:
My father [Lindsay Howard ’82] introduced me to the school. I was looking for a small school with a well-defined campus, and Dickinson fit the bill perfectly. After getting to meet the science faculty here, and after seeing Rector, it was a no-brainer for me.
Favorite place on campus:
Rector Science Complex.
Favorite Dining Hall food:
Kansas-style ribs.
Favorite professor:
[Assistant] Professor [of Chemistry] Sarah St. Angelo. She is great, because she has the excitement for science that is common in academia and the realist practicality of a lab chemist, due to her previous career. This, combined with her upbeat attitude, love for teaching and ability to challenge students without overwhelming them, is truly impressive.
Hobby/talent:
I have been playing piano since I was 4, and I love performing. I have performed at several Noonday Concerts while here.
If I could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, it would be …
… Sergei Rachmaninoff (with a translator, of course).
In a perfect world ...
… everyone’s life would have its own soundtrack.
About my internships:
At the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Shadyside Hospital: Because of my interest in oncology, my internships at UPMC were very appealing. I got the opportunity to complete real research in the cutting-edge field of cancer research, collecting and analyzing genomic data from tumor cells to determine causative mutations and possible targets for treatment, while also learning a great deal about the underlying science behind both what we were doing and what we were treating.
At August Research Systems: I worked in an aircraft-coatings formulation lab [August Research Systems] during summer 2012, formulating organic compounds that were used to coat U.S. government planes to protect them from weathering and from radar detection. I learned how research in such a field really works, and I was able to take part in the trial and error process, as well as take part in coordinating the use of nearly $500,000 dollars, allocated for use in purchasing lab equipment.
Post-Dickinson plans:
I’ll be attending medical school at Duke University, and I plan to eventually become a surgeon. My current interests are in orthopedics, sports medicine and oncology.
Biggest influence:
My parents. I learned the value of steadfast commitment to being the best that I can be, the value of kindness and compassion in the pursuit of my goals, and the importance of self-assured humility when those goals are accomplished. I know for a fact that I would not be where I am today without their love and support.
Learn more
- Department of Chemistry
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
- Interns in Action
- Athletics
- Life Beyond the Limestone
- More Student Snapshots
- Latest News
Published May 11, 2015