Freddie Xu, B.S. 2020

PhD Candidate at Cornell University – Ithaca, NY

2020 Major: Biology (Evolutionary Biology concentration) and Political Science (Political Institutions concentration)

How has being a Biology graduate from Duke helped shape you personally and/or professionally?

"The plethora of topics I learned from Duke Biology courses, as well as the countless connections I made, helped to shape me into the researcher I am today. I learned what was still unanswered in the field of life science as well as what I should value as a researcher. My passion for science and the excitement I feel from learning about biology all came from my experiences in the Biology Department at Duke."

What advice would you give students in Duke's Biology programs? 

"Don't be afraid to pursue interests. There will be plenty of time to take basic courses, so take a chance on the odd/unique classes that may spark some passion you never knew existed. Go out and talk to scientists, learn about their work, and don't be afraid to ask questions. No one will think less of you for not knowing something, so why waste the chance to learn?"

Freddie Xu