Meet EPA Chemist Quincy Teng, Ph.D.
If you could have dinner with any scientist, past or present, who would you choose and what would you ask them?
I would choose Paul Dirac. He was an English physicist who made huge contributions to the field of quantum mechanics. He won the Nobel Prize in Physics at the age of 31 and is one of the youngest to ever do so.
I would ask him if he had any thoughts on simple ways to interpret biological data. Even though he wasn’t a biologist, I think he would have an interesting perspective.
Tell us about your background.
I received both my Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Master’s degree in Physical Chemistry from Jilin University, which is in my hometown in the northeast part of China. I received my Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from Florida State University. I did my postdoctoral training at Cornell University Medical College in New York City and UC-Davis in California.
How did you get to EPA?
I was always interested in applying my knowledge to solve real-world problems. EPA had an opening in the ORD laboratory in Athens, Georgia, where I was already living while working at the University of Georgia. I applied and got this position which I really enjoy.
When did you first know that you wanted to pursue science as a career?
I decided I wanted to be a scientist while I was in college. I really enjoyed the university atmosphere and thought doing research at a university would be a great way to continue to benefit from it.
What do you like most about your research?
I have worked in a lot of different places that have great scientists doing great science. What I like most about EPA is the teamwork and the potential impact of our research. At EPA, I work with many talented and dedicated scientists with different areas of expertise and I really enjoy working with them..
If you were not a scientist, what would you be doing?
I think I would be a computer programmer. I started learning about computer programming in college and really enjoyed it. I wrote several programs for my PhD research.
Any advice for students considering a career in science?
To be a scientist, I think you really should enjoy discovering new things. Doing good research requires you to be passionate and hard-working. Sometimes research can be extremely hard, but it is always interesting. I think students should get experience in a research lab working on a project. There are many opportunities out there if you are interested.
Editor's Note: The opinions expressed herein are those of the researcher alone. EPA does not endorse the opinions or positions expressed.