Derek Papp '01

How has your Knox experience made an impact on your career?

Knox provided incredible opportunities to do just about anything -- whether it be in the sciences, humanities, history, improv comedy, whatever -- no matter what your interest. One specific example would be the summer I spent doing HHMI research with Professor Cermak. I'm convinced that's why I was accepted into medical school.

How has a liberal arts context for your science education benefited you in your career?

Honestly, I was a history major before picking up enough credits for my biochemistry degree. There's incredible value in having a well balanced education and being able to speak about varied topics.

Papp treats an athlete on the field during a Tampa Bay Buccaneers game.

Describe an experience at Knox that had an impact on you.

I remember working in the Lincoln Studies Center with Professors Davis and Wilson; transcribing original records from the early Galesburg Jewish community in the late 1800s with Professor Gold; and TAing for Professor Hulett. I also remember playing campus golf, walking the track late at night with my best friend, fighting a Knox Student Senate that was less than 50% elected by the student body, and running around Lake Storey with the cross country team. To paraphrase an author I encountered during class -- book learning only takes you so far. We're all a product of our life experiences. Knox teems with great experiences. I can't imagine getting a better college experience than I did at Knox.