Graduate Student Spotlight: Brian White
By: Gabby Wetwiski
My academic journey began much later than what is considered typical. I spent much of my twenties and early thirties playing music, traveling the country, and holding steady, but unfulfilling jobs. I eventually enrolled at the University of New Mexico with an aspiration to work as a ranger in one of our beautiful national parks. While working as an undergraduate research assistant, I began developing an impassioned reverence for science, with a particular focus on evolutionary biology. I graduated with a B.S. in Biology in 2013 and worked in a molecular genetics lab as a technician before pursuing graduate studies at Texas A&M. I earned a M.S. in Genetics in 2019 and will be defending my dissertation in the summer of 2025. Thus far, my greatest biological achievement has been welcoming my two sons into the world together with my wife. Without a doubt, the combination of graduate studies and parenting have been the most challenging yet fulfilling period of my life.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
With a name like Brian White, most people would never guess that I am a first generation American from an Italian immigrant father. Following WW II, it was very common for Italian immigrants to change their surname upon naturalization. In this case, the naturalization clerk’s surname was “White,” otherwise, my name would be Brian Andrea Udovicich.
What’s on your bookshelf?
My bookshelf is currently overflowing with my wife’s second-hand murder mystery and romance novels. Regardless, the books I would typically read are mostly fantasy-fiction type from authors like J. R. R. Tolkien and Tom Robbins. I also quite enjoy popularized science books from authors like N. D. Tyson and Richard Dawkins. One of my prized books is a signed copy of “The Greatest Show on Earth.”
How has a research career had an impact on your thinking?
The process of addressing an interesting question through rigorous academics and peer criticism has not only instilled in me a deep appreciation for the application of the scientific method, but also the value of collaboration. Constructive insights can often be harvested from those unfamiliar with the specifics of an ongoing scientific investigation. Having been steeped in research eaorts, my approach to addressing meaningful questions has become more comprehensive and self-critical.
What advice would you give to a new graduate student?
Run! And don’t look back. If you decide to ignore my advice (which is ironically advised), just know it is often easy to fall into an informational silo amid a burgeoning investigative scientific query. Be aware of the rich and diverse questions being explored around you. Inspiration often comes from unexpected places.
Describe a course that has had the greatest impact on your thinking.
Digital Biology is a course taught by my mentor Dr. Rodolfo Aramayo. It is an unconventional course that utilizes a biological framework to teach students the practical utility of the command-line. The application of high-performance computing to biological systems left an indelible impression on me. I became hooked.
