Geek of the Week: Jacob Chadwick

College is undoubtedly a demanding time of life. As it is with many other demanding situations, some people make it through entirely on their own, but most people function far better with some kind of help. Senior Jacob Chadwick is one of those who understands this and will freely give help to others. He is often on the receiving end of some assistance himself, be it from the friends he has all over campus or the cup of coffee that rarely leaves his hand. The Oredigger found a few minutes of Jacob’s time amidst the busyness of Celebration of Mines.

[Oredigger]: Why Chemical Engineering?

[Chadwick]: Because I hate sleep and don’t like having free time. Plus, if you understand Thermodynamics, people will pay you big money. I like the elegance of chemical processes.

What’s been your favorite class and why?

Chem because I like seeing stuff get blown up.

Are you a geek and why?

Of course! I think science is fun and I look up Chemistry for kicks.

What do you do with your spare time?

I fight crime and I fight bears and I fight crime-bears.

What’s your favorite thing about Mines?

I like that we’re a community of science-lovin’ individuals that love what we do. I like that we fit in here…that the professors love what they do and the students love what they do. It’s a great place to develop the work ethic you need to do what you love. I like that it’s possible to appreciate and enjoy the sciences here without seeming like a loser. People love it and are passionate about what they do.

What are your greatest accomplishments?

Passing Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics, seeing a killer whale in the wild, and not crying during an exam.

Whose technology and resources would you rather have: Iron Man’s or Batman’s?

Clearly Batman ’cause although Iron Man has science on his side, Batman has raw, kick-face power. A phrase I like is “always be yourself, unless you can be Batman. Always be Batman.” Then, you can go up to people and say, “I’m Batman.”

If you could be transported into any fictional universe, what would it be and why?

[The] Star Trek [universe] so I could witness Jean-Luc Picard say “make it so” or point forward epically and say “engage!” Also, playing in the holodeck would be cool.

If you had to be stuck on a desert island with a major fanboy (or fangirl), what kind of fan would you want and why?

Definitely [a] Star Trek [fan]. I’ve never met a Trekkie I didn’t like.

What’s your favorite spectator event?

Definitely hockey for the fights.

What is the best nerd moment you’ve been a part of?

One time, we were hanging out at Coors Lab and we were talking about ethanol distillation and everyone around us started listening.

Do you have any plans for the future?

Gradumacate, then learn to spell.

Do you have any advice for fellow geeks and Mines students?

Study hard, play it straight, drink lots of coffee.

Do you have a favorite quote?

“Science is cool and if you disagree, you’re wrong.” – Unknown