Karl Hellberg Email & Phone Number

I have always loved learning. From an early age, I was fascinated by everything from astronomy and paleontology to robotics and microbiology. While I've dabbled in all sorts of creative and exploratory subjects, poetry, politics, economics, law, & more, I've always known that my path would be science.Unfurling nature, in every beam of light, every overturned mineral, every wry form of life, has been my constant passion. Whether in my backyard growing up or in the many labs I've studied in since, I feel the most excitement when I'm confused or wondering at a new thing of discovery.A struggle for me has always been choosing one thing to specialize in. First and foremost I am a trained chemist graduated from ISU. Conferring my B.Sc. was a whirlwind of topics in quantum mathematics, reaction mechanisms, equilibrium, and countless instrumental techniques. I continued this adventure with graduate studies in advanced chemistry, and there is always more to learn. My second forte grew at the same time while I worked in a biochemistry lab, utilizing biotechnology and molecular techniques to analyze a minor part of the colossal breadth of life. I suppose this makes me some sort of biologist, though the complexity of life makes it difficult for me to pin down. I also enjoyed the opportunity to assistant teach and instruct chemistry/biochemistry students, perhaps my favorite part of grad school.After the terrible pandemic of 2019/2020, I eventually left university to pursue a career in my field. While I have struggled in this pursuit like many of my peers, I remain adamant that I will find a place where I can use my interdisciplinary knowledge and skill set to further humanity's understanding of nature.Along the way, I have also found new intrigue in computer science and information technology. I am obsessed with our rights to privacy, security, and anonymity in the digital sphere and the consequences of actualizing those rights. I have spent several years developing fundamental understanding of computer hardware, operating systems, networks, and cyber security principles. A mark of my successful progress is a globally recognized certification, the first of many I aim to cultivate.While I am hopeful to find a research position in the corporate sector, I also intend to one day return to academia to complete a Ph.D. of biological sciences in molecular and cellular biology. I can't wait for what's next!