Outstanding Seniors in the College of Science: Samuel Gibbon
This spring, the College of Science recognized 12 outstanding seniors for their contributions in and out of the classroom. Samuel Gibbon is this semester's recipient from Math!
The College of Science caught up with Samuel to learn more about his experiences at the University of Arizona and what is on the horizon after graduation.
Why did you choose to study in your specific department/major?
Although I started as a neuroscience major, I found myself missing more of the mathematical and computational work that I loved in high school. So, I decided to switch to mathematics and have never looked back! I really love how math teaches fundamental skills which can be applied to a lot of different areas of science from AI and machine learning to biology and genetics.
Tell me about a class or research project you really enjoyed.
My favorite research project was studying the evolution of polyploids or organisms with more than two sets of chromosomes with Drs. Ryan Gutenkunst, Justin Conover, and Michael Barker. Many important crops including cotton, rice, wheat, coffee, and strawberries are polyploid, yet we do not fully understand how mutation, natural selection, and recombination shape their evolution over time. I have really loved learning more about biology through this project and being able to apply my mathematical and computational skills to some interesting problems!
What is one specific memory from your time at UA that you'll cherish forever?
It’s too hard to pick just one! So, it feels especially fitting as my time at UA comes to a close, to pick all the incredible sunsets in Tucson and all the memories associated with them — from stopping on my bike home from class and snapping a quick picture to picnics on the mall with friends and everything in between.
What are you most proud of having accomplished in your time at UA?
I am most proud of my leadership on the Harvill Retrofit project which worked to replace all the lighting in the Harvill Building with LEDs to reduce electricity usage by 42%. I worked with a team of other undergrads to apply for a grant from the Campus Sustainability Fund for the project and gained so much experience about project management, coordination, and communication. I also had a lot of fun working on the educational outreach including a student-designed banner installed in Harvill and permanent signage in each classroom!
What is next for you after graduation?
I am traveling a bit over the summer to visit family and relax before starting my PhD in Human Genetics at the University of Chicago next fall!