Fellow Reflection: Milo Lin

Milo Lin, a Ph.D. candidate at the California Institute of Technology, conducts his research in physics under the direction of Nobel Prize winner, Ahmed Zewail.  His work involves analytical and computational approaches to protein folding and dynamics, and, most recently, Milo's article titled "Under the Hood" took honorable mention in the 2010 DOE CSGF Essay Contest.  Outside of science, Milo's greatest passions include watercolor painting and food.  "The left side of my brain feels guilty if the right side isn't getting enough stimulation," says this Los Alamos, N.M. native.

Explain why you have an interest in computational science. 

"In my field of research (biophysics), high-powered computational simulation is becoming as important as analytical theory. This means that the ability to understand and perform computations will become as indispensable as knowing higher mathematics."

Why did the DOE CSGF program appeal to you?

"The chance to participate in supercomputing at a national laboratory really appealed to me. Networking with other fellows and top scientists has been an eye-opening experience as well. Of course, the generous stipend didn't hurt either."

Explain the benefits you have received or positive experiences you have had in the DOE CSGF program. 

"My practicum experience at Brookhaven National Laboratory with Dr. Jim Davenport has broadened my perspective not only in supercomputing but also quantum chemistry, an important subject which I would not have approached in the regular course of my Ph.D."

Describe your career goal(s) in the computational science field.

"I want to pursue an academic career in biophysics and macromolecular complexity. Specifically, I want to know whether or not there are predictive physics-based theories for biology. The sophisticated application of large-scale simulations will be an integral part of this emerging field, especially in inspiring and testing analytical theories."