Eric Thai '20 discovers his academic pathway and his family history converge in research.
“What is a Ph.D.?” My immigrant father asked.
He was understandably concerned about my plans to spend another 4-5 years pursuing another degree.
“A Ph.D. is a degree that prepares me to ask questions and contribute knowledge to the world.”
Seeing how stumped my dad was, I pulled out a pen and paper and started drawing concentric circles representing expanding bands of knowledge, with a Ph.D. as a mountain rising on the outer layer – and at its peak, an academic career.