Rows of sleek computers cast a soft blue glow across the lab at Florida State University, their screens alive with twisting molecular models. For most, the shapes appear as nothing more than just clusters of colors and lines. But for senior Oliver Angulo, with a growing love for technology, they were the complex dance of proteins, moving frame by frame through weeks-long simulations.
“I really like how straightforward [science and math are] and how every answer or every question has a right answer, and that it makes sense. There’s a process that you can go through every time, and then you get the answer. I have always liked these subjects. It’s a different way to think, and it’s different than English or history, because I always tend to zone out when I’m reading stuff,” senior Angulo said.
From June 8 to July 19, Angulo’s summer was packed with new challenges and experiences, but the path of getting there was a surprisingly simple process. Introduced to the summer program by his mother, he had to write a short essay explaining why he wanted to pursue STEM, allowing his curiosity to shine through. Ultimately securing a spot in the program, the ease of the application served as a starting point for a summer that would extend much beyond his dorm room.
Bright and early on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, Angulo followed a set schedule of classes introducing him to a wide range of STEM fields. Whether he was studying in physics classes, working with Python programming, exploring game theory ideas, or having a sneak peek at quantum computing, these classes provided him with a solid foundation as he shifted from coursework to research later in the day.
Immersing himself within the Institute of Molecular Biophysics, Angulo dedicated Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in a computer lab with his research partner, running molecular dynamic simulations of the COVID protein structure. With hopes of identifying hidden pockets and binding sites that could possibly inhibit the virus, their work required weeks for a single simulation to finish. Once the results appeared, the challenge became carefully analyzing them.
“The program really helped me clarify my career path. I’ve always known I wanted to do STEM, but I was torn between engineering, programming, and other areas. Through taking the programming class, math and science courses, along with the hands-on research experience, I was able to narrow down my focus. The program helped me decide that I really want to focus on programming, that’s what I want to major in,” senior Angulo said.
The rigorous academic component was balanced by a range of social events, allowing the students to unwind and form relationships. On the July 4, Angulo and his fellow classmates got to paint their faces bright red, white and blue before gathering to watch fireworks light up the night sky. He also visited Wakulla Springs, where he dove into the icy waters and jumped off platforms. This was a fun escape from his demanding program of classes and study.
Through attending several courses and getting the opportunity to conduct actual research, Angulo gained a better understanding of his interests and strengths. His broad interest in science and engineering was given a clear focus once he discovered his passion for the creativity and logic of programming during his summer at FSU.
“Oliver is the most amazing student I’ve ever had in my life, not only does he help all my other students, he personally is brilliant and works super hard. I foresee that young man being either an astrophysicist, some engineer, or aeronautics,” Mr. Del Valle said.
