When I was in high school, I became interested in cytochemistry: chemical analysis under the microscope, and trying to understand the composition of cells.

I'm not easily inhibited by the fact that I don't know something about a subject. It doesn't stop me from dabbling in it.

I get curious about new things. My real strength is going into a field that has not been investigated before, and finding new approaches to it.

I started on the use of the Internet for scientific communication. Our research group was one of the very first to make really systematic use of it as a way of managing research projects.

Although I am a public figure, I'm still a little shy. I don't think my own personality is important. I prefer to keep some small dosage of privacy.

I certainly saw science as a kind of calling, and one with as much legitimacy as a religious calling.

I believe I am a person with unusual talents. I think I'd be a liar or stupid if I were to deny that.