Molecular Melodies

Abigail Pickens decided on Duke because of the strong interdisciplinary opportunities that allow her to major in both Biology and Music at the same level of scholarship. Entering her final year, the senior has consistently been able to immerse herself in scientific research while continuing to develop her musical talents.

Pickens traces her affinity for science to her high school AP Biology class, where she developed a love for research that followed her to Duke. From her first year on campus, she has been involved with temporal lobe epilepsy research with the McNamara Lab. And while science has shaped one part of her identity, music has been an equally defining force.

Piano lessons began at age five, followed by an interest in choir in third grade, voice lessons five years later and eventually, opera study. “I love how opera allows me to sing works by composers I learned to play on the piano, and that ability made it clear to me that I wanted to continue music study in college.”   

But she attributes her penchant for all forms of music to her parents. Her Mom brought musicals like “The Sound of Music” and “Mary Poppins” into her orbit early on, while her Dad introduced her to contemporary artists like the Beatles and Joni Mitchell. “That sound from the 1970s has really inspired me on the songwriting end of things as I work with Duke Small Town Records,” she shares. 

After graduation, Pickens will attend law school to become a family lawyer specializing in adoption. “At first glance, my dual majors may not seem directly transferable,” she says, “but the analytical thinking from biology and the empathy fostered through the arts will serve me well.”

The busy senior found time to sit down with us to explain why she included a music major in her studies, to share both early misconceptions and actual benefits of her STEAM studies and to provide some advice for students interested in a STEM + arts education at Duke. 

Why did you commit to a music major when you could have participated in a student music club?

I wanted to become involved in the academic side of music to understand what I was performing and the significance of the pieces. I've always loved music theory and exploring why certain sounds resonate the way they do and why our ears are naturally drawn to some sounds over others. Across the centuries, musical styles evolved with distinct characteristics, and understanding these nuances is essential to performing with depth and authenticity.

Being in a classroom where I learn from faculty across diverse areas of musical studies and theory makes me feel like I’m doing everything possible to become the best performer. It allows me to fully grasp the context of the music I’m performing, not just the notes and rhythms but the deeper meanings behind them.

Did your double major come with any misconceptions?

Arriving at Duke, I was nervous about stepping into the science-focused side of things. I assumed that most students would be entirely dedicated to STEM, and that might put me at a disadvantage for trying to pursue both biology and music. I turned out to be totally wrong. Everyone I’ve met at Duke has some form of artistic passion, even if it’s not part of their coursework. 

I’ve had conversations about music in my biology lectures, which was something I never expected. One of my best friends is a Civil Engineering major, but she’s also in the student ballet company, Devils on Pointe. Meeting people like her made me realize that Duke is full of students blending STEM and the arts in incredible ways. That’s what makes me feel so at home here.

Has your STEAM course of study benefitted or enriched your overall academics?

Absolutely. My music courses, often history-based, emphasize reading, critical thinking and intensive writing, while my STEM courses focus on lab work, cause-and-effect reasoning and structured experimentation. Yet, the overlap between the two disciplines is undeniable.

A biology lab report draws on the same analytical writing skills I use in my music history classes to examine how past events shape music. Working in the McNamara Lab has shown me how crucial creativity and adaptability are in science, and the ability to think on the spot and adjust based on results is just as essential in my music study. 

In my work with music ensembles, I listen to others' vocal parts and adjust my own performance accordingly. That adaptability and big-picture thinking carry over to my science studies. Music theory also has a strong mathematical component, and the way I approach it reminds me of problem-solving methods in my math courses. I can feel those analytical skills activating when I study music theory, which is fascinating.

Any advice for fellow Blue Devils who might be contemplating a similar STEAM pathway?

That’s easy — just DO IT! Even if your career path is firmly lodged in STEM, you should still find a way to incorporate your passion for the arts in your studies. There’s something collaborative about the arts, and collaboration is a skill you’ll use in any career. 

There’s also a vulnerability that comes with expressing yourself through the arts, and that builds confidence to share ideas and work with others toward a common goal. It’s invaluable and applicable to anything you want to do. My STEAM education has provided such a balance because I’m exercising my whole brain.

Learn more about STEAM students at Duke