Finding His Element: David's Evolving Path in Chemistry, Biophysics & Public Health Pt. 1 | College, Unfiltered Episode 14 ft. David Cooper

Ever wondered what biophysics actually is—or how undergrads find their place in cutting-edge research? In this insightful episode of StemCast, we sit down with David Cooper, a biophysics and chemistry student at the University of Michigan, who shares his candid journey of choosing (and re-choosing) the right path. David explains what biophysics really involves—from studying protein crystal structures to applying physical techniques to solve biological problems. He also talks about what it's like doing research at a major university as an undergrad, the reality of massive lecture classes versus intimate lab work, and why he's now planning to shift from academia to toxicology and public health. We also dive into David's college application experience, his honest reflections on expectations versus reality at Michigan, and his best advice for anyone trying to balance ambition with happiness. If you're curious about finding your fit in STEM, understanding what research looks like at a top school, or figuring out how to design your own path—this episode is for you. Ask ChatGPT