Season 6 of Vision Towards Success is in full swing! Students from Florida, Georgia, and New York have reached the midpoint of their internships. After a 6-week research and scheduling effort by the outreach team, the interviews have begun.
The first interview, conducted by Sean of the research and outreach team, was with John Gardner, a retired professor of physics at Oregon State University who lost the last of his sight at the age of 48. The interview covered John's life journey from growing up in Mississippi to becoming a renowned material physicist. They discussed his early research on molten copper and liquid semiconductors, his work on high-temperature magnetic susceptibility experiments, and his development of accessible technology for blind people. Through his company ViewPlus, John creates adaptive equipment that allows scientists to read data using tactile graphics.
John shared insights about his research methodology, career choices, and the challenges of adapting to blindness while maintaining his scientific work, including the development of PAC spectrometers and his successful grant applications. He had lots of advice for young scientists, particularly around Sean's aspirations to become a physics professor. John recommended networking within the blindness community through the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) and the American Council of the Blind (ACB), particularly their science and engineering divisions, as well as joining the student chapter in Sean's home state.
This was an exciting opportunity for our student, who spent a long time doing the research and developing his questions. An observer noticed his poise and professionalism. His nerves quickly shifted to genuine curiosity about John’s life and the strategies he used throughout his career as a physics professor and later as the Founder of ViewPlus.
About the experience, Sean said, "Getting to interview Dr. John Gardner was a great experience and learning opportunity. His story and words of encouragement and advice made me feel much more reassured about the path I want to follow in physics."
These interviews are shared so that other students can learn through example. One of our other students has her own interview coming up soon, and she is able to watch a replay of the conversation to learn more about the process and ease anxieties around leading an interview.