A Name, Not a Number

Egmidio Medina '18 in Budapest

Egmidio Medina ’18 in Budapest, where he traveled during spring break.

Egmidio Medina ’18 

Like any math major, Egmidio Medina ’18 loves working with numbers. But he doesn’t want to be treated like one. That’s why he chose a college with a low student-faculty ratio, and he’s happy with his choice. Egmidio discusses his fascination for math and astronomy and the research project that showed him that he can follow his childhood dream of helping people through medicine while also indulging his passion for math.

Major

Mathematics.

Clubs and organizations:

Tour Guide, Mathematics and Computer Science Club, Alpha Lambda Delta and Pre-Health Society.

Honors/scholarships/awards:

Posse Foundation Scholarship and Dean’s List.

Favorite book:  

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

On choosing Dickinson:

The first reason was the faculty-to-student ratio. I knew that I wanted to learn, and to create connections with my professors. I did not want to be number; I wanted to be a name. Second, I chose Dickinson due to our study-abroad programs. I knew I wanted to study abroad and I had the opportunity to do just that junior year. 

Favorite Dining Hall food:

Grilled cheese and tomato soup.

On choosing a major:

Growing up, I was fascinated by math, and by how we always seem to have more to learn about it. I would always think we knew everything there is to know about math, but taking higher-level courses makes you realize that [what you’ve learned so far] is the tip of the iceberg.

As a kid, I wanted to be …

… a doctor.

If I could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, it would be …

… Nikola Tesla.

Favorite class:

Astronomy 110. I loved [Associate] Professor [of Physics & Astronomy Windsor] Morgan’s passion for the subject. I always wondered how big space actually is and how much we know about our universe. I learned that in the grand scheme of life and space, our existence in the observable universe is minute. It’s best to not worry about anything and live life to its fullest.

In a perfect world …

… everyone has a home to go to and no one needs to worry if they will eat tomorrow.

About my research:

We have a group of seven—two professors and five students—working with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). [Associate] Professor [of Mathematics] Jeffrey Forrester and I were trying to create networks of genes to see how they interacted. We hoped to be able to translate the biological experiments that were being conducted to patients with the disease. The goal of the research was to find potential genes of interest that would be great candidates for drug development.

Why I chose this project:

I decided to take on the project due to my interest in mathematical research. I was on track to become a doctor, but I also knew I wanted to continue my path with math. This research was a great way to learn more about mathematical research and how it can help further our understanding of biological processes.

What I learned:

I realized that I can combine both of my passions into one. I still would help people but also continue learning about mathematical concepts. I also learned that I can apply what I learned in a variety of different fields.

Advice to new students:

Take advantage of the Take a Dickinsonian to Lunch program.  It is a great way to learn more about a faculty member outside of the academic workplace. You are able to build stronger connections while at the same time having the meal paid for.

Learn more

Published July 27, 2017