Michael Hunnicutt, B.S. 1980; Ph.D. 1984

What did you study at Duke?

I was a chemistry major pre-med, and it took me probably 2.5 years to figure out how to be a good student here, but I always loved laboratory courses and chemistry was my home. The lab was where I thrived. My senior year I was doing my independent study and met Charles Lochmüller. He was my undergraduate research advisor. He and I clicked, and I worked in his lab during my time in undergrad. He also helped me find a part-time job in the Triangle during school that became full-time after graduation. Charlie also really encouraged me to apply to graduate school here at Duke. When I was invited to start, my boss out at Research Triangle Park told me, “You should go, right now.” That’s how I got to graduate school, and it was clear to me right from the start that I would work for Dr. Lochmüller. He was gruff but an outstanding researcher. The work I did with him was familiar and interesting, and he gave me the space to define the research area I wanted to go into.

What was one of your favorite memories of Duke?

It’s hard to pick just one…but one is of course whenever we win a national championship. You also always remember the people and the experiences. When I was in undergrad that was the first time I got to volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters and that was special. Volunteering has stuck with me. It has to do with not just doing things for yourself, but gaining satisfaction from doing things for others, because you can see the effect it has on them. You do this as a student, but we also have a choice every day of how we will be present for people. It’s all about the people.

Learn more about Dr. Michael Hunnicutt, his time at Duke, and his adventures beyond.

Please visit https://gradschool.duke.edu/professional-development/blog/alumni-profiles-series-mike-hunnicutt/ for a full interview!