Shivam Jain

Class of 2026
Majors in Biophysics and Chemistry

I'm a senior at Duke majoring in biophysics and chemistry, with particular interests in biochemistry. I'm currently doing research in the Boyce Lab, studying glycobiology and the role of nucleotide-sugars in mucus regulation in the airway. After Duke, I'm hoping to go to med school and eventually become a physician-scientist. I'm involved with the Stargazing Devils, our on-campus astronomy group, as well as Root Causes, an organization that delivers fresh produce to the local community. Outside of classes, I like to go to Duke Basketball games, read books, and drink coffee.

Favorite Class: My favorite class at Duke has been Chem 310, Physical Chemistry 1 focusing on Quantum Mechanics. I loved the structure and organization the class, which allowed me to understand systems from the quantum level then build up towards complete chemical reactions. Physical Chemistry 1 opened up a new dimension in physics and chemistry for me, enabling me to analyze not only how a reaction occurs, but also why it may be favorable for a reaction to occur. The class has given me a more mathematically rigorous understanding of the natural world.